When it comes to comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table, there’s nothing quite like a delicious and cheesy rice casserole. This scrumptious dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. Packed with flavor and easy to make, this Cheesy Rice Casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Cheesy Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
– 2 cups white rice
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup diced bell pepper
– 1 cup diced onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper and onion, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the white rice to the skillet and stir to coat the rice with the vegetable and spice mixture.
5. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through.
6. Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in half of the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
7. Transfer the cheesy rice mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole.
9. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
This Cheesy Rice Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The combination of three different types of cheese adds a rich and gooey texture to the dish, while the bell pepper and onion provide a subtle sweetness and crunch. The aromatic blend of herbs infuses the casserole with a comforting and savory taste that will fill your home with welcome scents.
Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal to feed your family or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this Cheesy Rice Casserole is sure to impress. With its easy preparation and versatile ingredients, you can tweak this recipe to suit your taste preferences, adding in extras like cooked chicken, broccoli, or mushrooms for a unique twist.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for some cheesy goodness, give this recipe a try. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that embodies the essence of cozy home cooking. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of this Cheesy Rice Casserole with your loved ones and make mealtime a memorable occasion.
