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, itβs 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!
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
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.
Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautΓ©ed vegetables, vegetable broth, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated parmesan cheese until the crumbs are coated.
Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Calories |
2469 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 155.9 g | 200% | |
| Saturated Fat | 81.8 g | 409% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 384 mg | 128% | |
| Sodium | 6507 mg | 283% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 193.1 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.6 g | 63% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.0 g | ||
| Protein | 84.6 g | 169% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1830 mg | 141% | |
| Iron | 6.4 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 1776 mg | 38% | |
*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.