Green Rice Casserole
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant and flavorful Green Rice Casserole! Bursting with aromatic herbs like parsley and cilantro and enriched with the creamy goodness of sour cream and a cheesy duo of cheddar and Monterey Jack, this casserole is as comforting as it is wholesome. Fresh spinach and a touch of jalapeño add a delightful punch of color and spice, while a golden breadcrumb topping (optional but highly recommended!) provides irresistible crunch. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing side or a satisfying vegetarian main, this dish is easy to prepare and incredibly versatile. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a weeknight comfort meal, this recipe delivers hearty flavor in every bite. Ideal for meal preppers and casserole enthusiasts alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups white rice
- 3 cups water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 0.5 cups fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 cups fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 0.5 cup breadcrumb topping (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, and spinach to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
Stir in the chopped parsley and cilantro, cooking for an additional minute to combine the flavors. Remove the skillet from the heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, spinach mixture, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the Monterey Jack cheese. Stir to combine evenly. Season with salt and black pepper.
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or a small amount of butter. Spread the rice and spinach mixture evenly in the dish.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top of the casserole. If using the optional breadcrumb topping, sprinkle it evenly over the cheese.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2561 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 166.1 g | 213% | |
| Saturated Fat | 93.4 g | 467% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 398 mg | 133% | |
| Sodium | 5032 mg | 219% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 206.4 g | 75% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.4 g | 66% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.6 g | ||
| Protein | 95.2 g | 190% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 2556 mg | 197% | |
| Iron | 19.2 mg | 107% | |
| Potassium | 2551 mg | 54% | |
*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.
