Looking for a comforting and nutritious dish that combines the goodness of vegetables and rice with a cheesy twist? Cheesy Vegetable Rice Casserole is the perfect solution! With tender zucchini, green onions, and tomatoes combined with brown rice and a creamy dairy-free cheese topping, this casserole is a family-friendly meal that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat.

Cheesy Vegetable Rice Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the ultimate blend of textures and flavors: the rice is perfectly cooked, the vegetables are tender, and the melty cheese topping adds a creamy richness. It’s a great way to sneak in veggies while enjoying a hearty meal. Plus, it’s dairy-free and can be customized with any of your favorite vegetables!

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

1 1/2 cups brown rice, cooked
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 1/2 pounds zucchini, cubed
1 cup sliced green onions
1 minced garlic clove
1 1/4 teaspoons garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon paprika (Hungarian or smoked varieties work well)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
1 cup or more shredded Daiya cheddar style cheese, separated

How Much Time Will You Need?

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking and Cooking Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease an 11×17-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium heat.
Add the zucchini, green onions, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking or burning.

Step 3: Season and Combine Ingredients

Season the sautéed vegetables with garlic salt, basil, paprika, and oregano according to your taste preferences.
Mix in the cooked brown rice, chopped tomatoes, and 1/2 cup of shredded Daiya cheddar style cheese.
Continue to cook and stir the mixture until heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the vegetable and rice mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
Top with the remaining shredded cheese, ensuring the dish is covered for that cheesy finish.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Variations

Add protein: You can add cooked chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a more substantial meal.
Swap vegetables: Feel free to swap zucchini with other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
Make it vegan: If you want a fully vegan casserole, use vegan cheese instead of Daiya cheddar style cheese.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Vegetable Rice Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines wholesome ingredients with a cheesy, comforting finish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish for any occasion. The blend of tender vegetables, flavorful seasonings, and melty cheese will have everyone coming back for more