Cheesy baked rice casserole topped with golden melted cheese and fresh herbs in a white baking dish.

Baked Rice Casserole

by

Cozy, Cheesy, and Perfect for Family Dinners

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy and crowd-pleasing? This Baked Rice Casserole delivers everything you love about a hearty homemade dinner — fluffy rice, tender veggies, and a rich, cheesy sauce all baked to golden perfection. 🧀✨ Perfect for weeknights or potlucks, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. With minimal prep and plenty of flexibility (add chicken, beef, or veggies!), this one-pan wonder is a lifesaver for busy cooks who still crave that home-baked goodness.

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Servings: 6

Ingredients List

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 lb cooked chicken breast or ground beef (use beef if you prefer a heartier version)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, or broccoli)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your baking dish.
  2. Cook meat and veggies: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add cooked chicken or ground beef, season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in mixed vegetables. 🍳
  3. Prepare sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, soup, milk, and half the shredded cheese.
  4. Combine: In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, meat mixture, and sauce until evenly coated.
  5. Bake: Transfer to the baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. 🧀
  6. Cool & serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Pro Tips

  • Make it veggie-only: Skip the meat and add mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian version.
  • Creamier texture: Use extra milk or cream soup for a softer casserole.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Meal prep win: Assemble ahead, cover, and refrigerate — bake fresh when ready to serve!

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 plate42028g38g15g3g4g