Cheese Rice Casserole
Creamy, comforting, and absolutely packed with cheesy goodness, this Cheese Rice Casserole is the ultimate side dish or vegetarian main course to elevate any meal. Made with fluffy white rice, a velvety homemade cheddar and Parmesan cheese sauce, and a hint of garlic, onion, and paprika for added depth of flavor, this recipe combines hearty ingredients with a simple one-dish preparation. Perfectly baked to golden, bubbly perfection, the casserole is garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Whether you're serving it as a satisfying addition to a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this Cheese Rice Casserole is a guaranteed favorite. Plus, it's easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and makes enough to serve six hungry appetites. It’s time to add cheesy, savory comfort food to your rotation!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups white rice
- 4 cups water
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.
In a medium pot, add the white rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked onions and garlic, then whisk for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, approximately 3-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined. Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
Combine the cooked rice and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix until the rice is evenly coated with the sauce.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Optionally, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for garnish before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
379 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.8 g | 29% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.8 g | 74% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 70 mg | 23% | |
| Sodium | 721 mg | 31% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.5 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.9 g | ||
| Protein | 17.1 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 464 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 214 mg | 5% | |
*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.
