Zucchini Rice Casserole

» Posted by on Dec 12, 2011 in Lunch, Main Dish/Entree, Recipes, Vegetarian | 0 comments

Zucchini Rice Casserole

Zucchini Rice Casserole is packed with fresh vegetables and cheese and is a real treat for any occasion. Make sure you heat it before serving. 

Zucchini Rice Casserole

Print recipe
Zucchini Rice Casserole
Serves 12
Prep time 15 minutes
Cook time 2 hours
Total time 2 hours, 15 minutes
Dietary Vegetarian
Meal type Lunch, Main Dish
Misc Serve Hot
Website Eating Well

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup long-grain brown rice
  • 4 cups diced zucchini , and/or summer squash
  • 2 red or green bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cups vegetable stock (the original recipe calls for chicken broth, but we have replaced that with vegetable stock to make it suitable for vegetarians.)
  • 3/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 cup low-fat milk
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese, divided
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) corn kernels
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4oz reduced-fat cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños

Note

This extra vegetables cheesy baked rice casserole is great for any occasion. Sight changes have been made to original recipe to make it suitable for vegetarians.

Directions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Step 2
Pour rice into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bring broth to a simmer in a small saucepan. Stir hot broth into the rice along with zucchini (and/or squash), bell peppers, onion and salt. Cover with foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 35 to 45 minutes more.
Step 3
Meanwhile, whisk milk and flour in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until bubbling and thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add 1 1/2 cups Jack cheese and corn and cook, stirring, until the cheese is melted. Set aside
Step 4
When the rice is done, stir in the sausage and cheese sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Jack cheese on top and dollop cream cheese by the teaspoonful over the casserole. Top with jalapeños.
Step 5
Return the casserole to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Let stand for about 10 minutes before serving.