Easy Oven Rice Casserole

Perfect for busy weeknights, this Easy Oven Rice Casserole combines hearty, wholesome ingredients with minimal effort for a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Featuring tender long-grain white rice cooked to perfection in savory chicken or vegetable broth, this recipe is packed with vibrant vegetables like sweet carrots, peas, and aromatic sautéed onions. A flavorful blend of garlic, paprika, and thyme infuses the casserole with irresistible warmth, while a topping of gooey, golden cheddar cheese adds a satisfying finish. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a hands-off bake in the oven, this one-dish wonder is as convenient as it is flavorful. Serve it as a quick, family-friendly dinner or a versatile side dish that pairs with almost any main course.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon butter

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrots. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 3

Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 4

In the prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, sautéed vegetables, frozen peas, chicken or vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir well to evenly mix the ingredients.

Step 5

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 6

After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 7

Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1259.7 grams (1259.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1806

Total Fat 79.40g	102%
Saturated Fat 35.70g	179%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.00g
Cholesterol 154mg	51%
Sodium 5000mg	217%
Total Carbohydrate 218.60g	79%
Dietary Fiber 17.70g	63%
Total Sugars 21.60g
Protein 57.50g	115%

Vitamin D 2IU	11%
Calcium 1020mg	78%
Iron 7mg	37%
Potassium 1400mg	30%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.3%

Protein: 12.6%

Carbs: 48.1%