Easy Baked Rice Casserole Recipe | Delicious Leftover Solution

Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips and Variations
• CHEF’s Tips

Ingredients

For the Rice

• 4 cups cooked rice (leftovers are fine)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 can chopped peeled tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling

• 200g chopped ham
• 200g chopped mozzarella cheese
• 1 can drained corn
• 1/2 cup chopped olives
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas

For the Topping

• 200g creamy cheese spread (requeijão)
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until golden. Add the peeled tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Mix the rice: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice with the tomato sauce, ensuring all grains are well coated.
3. Assemble the baked rice casserole: In a greased baking dish, spread half of the seasoned rice. Add half of the ham, mozzarella, corn, olives, and peas. Cover with the remaining rice and finish with the rest of the filling.
4. Top and bake: Spread the creamy cheese spread over the rice and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the baked rice casserole hot.

Tips and Variations

• Add shredded chicken, sautéed ground beef, or chopped vegetables to the filling for a flavor variation.
• Substitute the creamy cheese spread with heavy cream for a lighter version.
• Try different types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, for the topping.
• For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
• Baked rice casserole is an excellent way to repurpose leftovers from other dishes.

CHEF’s Tips

For a perfect baked rice casserole, the choice of rice is crucial. Opt for already cooked rice, preferably from the day before, as it will be drier and absorb the sauce better, preventing the dish from becoming soggy. When preparing the tomato sauce, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing the flavor of your baked rice casserole. Also, don’t forget to grease the baking dish well to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. If desired, add a little oregano or fresh chopped basil to the filling for an extra touch of freshness and aroma. Baked rice casserole is a versatile dish that allows for various ingredient combinations, so use your creativity and adapt the recipe to your taste, always balancing the flavors for a delicious and surprising final result.