Cheesy Rice Casserole with Zucchini Recipe

Cheesy Rice Casserole with Zucchini, a decadent small batch recipe for a creamy, comforting side dish!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Traditional

Keyword cheesy rice casserole

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Servings servings

Calories 318kcal

Author Dana @ ThisSillyGirlsKitchen.com

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 5-inch baking dish, set aside.
Melt one tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add the onions, and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/4 cup onion
Add the zucchini and cook until slightly golden brown, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
1 1/2 cups zucchini
In a small pot, add the remaining butter and melt over medium heat.
Add the flour and dried spices, salt, and pepper whisk to combine, let cook one minute.
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon onion powder, 1/8 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 5 cracks fresh black pepper
Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3/4 cup milk
Cook 5 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat, add the cheddar and stir until combined and smooth.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Mix the cheese sauce with the cooked rice, half of the parsley, and the zucchini mixture until combined.
1 1/2 cups cooked rice, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Pour into prepared baking dish.
Top with the shredded cheddar and Monterey jack blended cheese.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar and Monterey jack blend
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with remaining parsley, optional.

Rinse your rice: If you’re cooking the rice fresh, rinsing it under cold water helps remove extra starch, resulting in fluffy rice.
Don’t Overcook Veggies: Sauté the zucchini and onion just until lightly golden and tender, not mushy.
Season to Taste: Always taste the sauce before mixing in the rice, and adjust the salt or pepper according to your personal preference.
Use a Good Baking Dish: A casserole dish that’s sturdy ensures even cooking. Lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, top with extra cheddar cheese or a cheddar and Monterey jack blend for gooey perfection.
Try Different Rice: Experiment with brown rice for a more hearty flavor, or even try a mix of different grains next time.