Savory Vegetable Rice Casserole

Bursting with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, this Savory Vegetable Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for veggie lovers! Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables like zucchini, red bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots, this dish combines hearty cooked rice, creamy cheddar and cream cheese, and a delightful blend of herbs to create a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal. Topped with a golden, buttery panko breadcrumb crust and baked to perfection, this casserole offers a delightful crunch in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and delivers plenty of cheesy, wholesome goodness with minimal effort. Whether you're feeding a vegetarian crowd or looking for a delicious side dish, this casserole is a flavorful, oven-baked masterpiece that everyone will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, diced onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 1 medium, diced zucchini
• 1 large, shredded carrot
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups, cooked white or brown rice
• 0.75 cup vegetable broth
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces, softened cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons, melted butter
• 0.25 cup, grated parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, red bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly tender.

Step 4

Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, vegetable broth, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 6

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated parmesan cheese until the crumbs are coated.

Step 8

Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1675.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2468.8

Total Fat 155.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 81.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.7g
Cholesterol 384.2mg	0%
Sodium 6506.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 193.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.6g	0%
Total Sugars 37.0g
Protein 84.6g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 1829.5mg	0%
Iron 6.4mg	0%
Potassium 1775.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.8%

Protein: 13.5%

Carbs: 30.7%