Heart-Healthy Cheesy Rice

Indulge in a wholesome and flavorful twist on comfort food with this Heart-Healthy Cheesy Rice recipe! Featuring nutrient-packed brown rice simmered in low-sodium vegetable broth, this dish is elevated with a vibrant medley of sautéed garlic, onion, carrots, and peas. The creamy richness comes from gooey low-fat cheddar cheese, making it a guilt-free indulgence that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. With a hint of black pepper for seasoning and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness, this quick and easy recipe is perfect as a light main course or a hearty side dish. Ready in under an hour, it’s a go-to for health-conscious foodies seeking delicious, heart-smart meal options.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Brown rice
• 2 cups Low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup Onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium Carrot, grated
• 0.5 cup Frozen peas
• 0.75 cup Low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the brown rice under cold water to remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 3

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the rice simmer for about 40 minutes or until tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 4

While rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet, sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.

Step 6

Stir in the grated carrot and continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 7

Add the frozen peas to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Once the rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the vegetables.

Step 9

Stir in the shredded low-fat cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed.

Step 10

Season with black pepper and fold in the chopped parsley.

Step 11

Serve warm as a side or a light main dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1047.2 grams (1047.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	766

Total Fat 24.00g	31%
Saturated Fat 7.20g	36%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 30mg	10%
Sodium 1555mg	68%
Total Carbohydrate 85.90g	31%
Dietary Fiber 12.00g	43%
Total Sugars 15.30g
Protein 54.00g	108%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 739mg	57%
Iron 4mg	23%
Potassium 1259mg	27%

*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: 27.8%

Protein: 27.8%

Carbs: 44.3%