Olive Casserole

Discover the irresistible flavors of this Olive Casserole, a Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines savory green and black olives, melty mozzarella, and tangy Parmesan with your choice of fluffy white rice or protein-packed quinoa. Infused with aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, chopped basil, and a touch of oregano, this comforting bake is topped with golden, crunchy breadcrumbs for the perfect finishing touch. Ready in under an hour, it's a crowd-pleasing recipe ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve it warm and garnish with fresh basil for an elegant presentation that'll keep your guests coming back for more! Perfect keywords: olive casserole recipe, Mediterranean casserole, baked rice casserole, vegetarian olive casserole.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup green olives, pitted and halved
• 1 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
• 2 cups cooked short-grain white rice or quinoa
• 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the green olives and black olives to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice (or quinoa), sautéed onion, olive mixture, diced tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the ingredients are well distributed.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 8

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole for a crunchy crust.

Step 9

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden brown.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1727.2 grams (1727.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2370

Total Fat 139.90g	179%
Saturated Fat 39.30g	197%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 120mg	40%
Sodium 9791mg	426%
Total Carbohydrate 227.80g	83%
Dietary Fiber 29.20g	104%
Total Sugars 23.40g
Protein 75.20g	150%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1823mg	140%
Iron 17mg	96%
Potassium 1428mg	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: 51.0%

Protein: 12.2%

Carbs: 36.9%