Best Cheesy Zucchini Casserole with Rice
This hearty cheesy zucchini casserole is a satisfying meatless main or side dish packed with fresh garden zucchini, fluffy rice, and melted extra sharp cheddar. Infused with aromatic rosemary and green onions, it's an easy weeknight meal that pairs perfectly with your favorite proteins or stands alone as a comfort food favorite.
Equipment
- large pot with lid (for zucchini)
- 13x9 casserole dish (lightly greased)
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- colander
- large mixing bowl
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- sturdy mixing spoon
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds (about 3 medium) zucchini
- salt
- ½ cup green onion chopped
- 1.5 tablespoons dried parsley or ⅓ cup fresh, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 pouch (8.8 oz) microwavable rice makes approximately 1.5 cups cooked rice
- 8 oz (2 cups) shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 egg slightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook whole zucchini in salted, boiling water until just tender. This usually takes about 10 minutes (check with a fork periodically).
- Microwave rice while zucchini is cooking.
- Once zucchini is tender, drain in colander, salt, and let cool. Use paper towels to squeeze out excess moisture. Then chop cooled zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the diced zucchini in a large bowl. Add green onions, parsley, and rosemary; stir to combine.
- Next, add the cooked rice and shredded cheese. Gently mix.
- Add olive oil and add slightly beaten egg. Stir to combine.
- Place mixture in a lightly greased 13x9 glass baking dish. Bake uncovered in a 350 degree preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until casserole is slightly brown around the edges and center is somewhat firm.
Notes
Once the zucchini is chopped, generously salt it and let it sit in a colander to drain for at least 10 minutes. Then absorb excess water with paper towels before adding it to the dish. You don't want to add overly moist zucchini to the casserole because it will make the consistency too mushy.
Refrigerate leftovers, store in an airtight container and enjoy within 5 days.
See above post for freezing and rehaeting instructions.
Nutrition
Calories: 332kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 11gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 207mgPotassium: 393mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 610IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 240mgIron: 1mg
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