Go Back
Print

Easy Rice Bake Casserole

To start this casserole, onions and spinach is sautéed in a large pan. Cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese and seasonings are mixed in. Everything is poured into a casserole dish and topped with extra cheese and baked. This is a great rice side dish to serve with any meal.

Course Rice, Side Dish
Cuisine Southern
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 people

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp butter plus more for dish
  • 1 small onion minced
  • Pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 package frozen spinach thawed, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar plus extra for top
  • 4 cups cooked rice
  • 1 tsp freshly chopped parsley leaves
  • 1 tsp chopped basil leaves
  • Salt and pepper

Rice:

  • 1 ½ cups uncooked rice
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ tbsp margarine or butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter a large casserole dish.
  2. In a large pan over medium-high heat, sauté onions with 2 tbsp butter and cayenne until translucent. Add the spinach and cook for 3 minutes. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk and eggs.
  4. Add the cheese, rice, parsley, thyme and basil to the spinach mixture. Combine well. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Pour into prepared casserole dish and top with extra shredded cheese. Bake for 30 minutes and serve hot.

Rice:

  1. Combine ingredients in a 2 quart microwave safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Microwave at 100% power for 5 minutes. Then microwave at 50% power for 15 minutes. Let bowl stand covered for 5 – 10 minutes. Fluff rice with fork. Yield: 4 ½ cups rice

Recipe Notes

You can use leftover rice from another recipe or make fresh rice using the microwave instructions included in the recipe.