Cheesy Zucchini Rice Casserole

This cheesy Zucchini Rice Casserole folds tender zucchini and fluffy rice into a creamy cheddar sauce under a bubbly cheese topping, an easy side everyone loves.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword Zucchini Rice Casserole

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Servings servings

Calories 318kcal

Author Jason Decker

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
1/4 cup onion small dice
1 1/2 cups zucchini 1/2 inch dice, or use a mix of zucchini and yellow squash
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
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups cooked rice
1 tablespoon fresh parsley fine chop
1/2 cup shredded cheddar and Monterey jack blend

Instructions

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.

Notes

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.

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