Description
This Quick Weeknight Zucchini and Rice Casserole is a comforting, savory dish combining tender sautéed zucchini, flavorful herbs, and nutritious brown rice, all topped with melted dairy-free cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy and healthy family meal, it’s ready in under 45 minutes and features simple ingredients with a delicious cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 1/2 pounds cubed zucchini
- 1 cup sliced green onions
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
Grains and Dairy-Free Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice, cooked
- 1 cup or more shredded Daiya cheddar style cheese, separated (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup)
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking and Cooking Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 11 x 17 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed zucchini, sliced green onions, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are just tender, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking or burning.
- Season and Combine Ingredients: Season the sautéed vegetables with garlic salt, dried basil, paprika, and dried oregano. Mix in the cooked brown rice, chopped tomatoes, and 1/2 cup of shredded Daiya cheddar style cheese. Continue cooking and stirring until everything is heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the vegetable and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly, then top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Daiya cheddar style cheese to cover the surface.
- Bake and Serve: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, ensure that all seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Daiya cheese is a popular dairy-free alternative suitable for those avoiding lactose.
- Adjust seasoning levels to your personal taste—add extra garlic or herbs for more intense flavor.
- If you prefer a more crisp texture, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking to brown the cheese.
- This dish can be prepared ahead, assembled, and refrigerated before baking; increase bake time by a few minutes if baking from cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of casserole (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
