From hearty one dish meals like Chicken Pot Pie Casserole to Johnny Marzetti, to sides like Squash Casserole and Sweet Potato Casserole, they are must-haves in my life. Yes, my friends, we deserve to have easy, cozy, undemanding days. This green rice casserole will make sure you have all that and some more. More when it comes to taste and flexibility. Creamy, cheesy mishmash of just a few things and the goodness of spinach. Try my super duper easy green rice casserole, you are going to love these vintage American flavors. Yes, when I say vintage American flavors, this green casserole makes the mark, as you might find this in some old cookbooks dating back to the 1930’s. Whipping up a quick casserole with rice along with whatever was on hand was very common, especially in the south. Earlier, they seem to have been made with parsley or various bitter greens, but gradually green peas, broccoli, spinach and green bell peppers started appearing in the pot. This casserole can take any form, depending what green veggies would go inside. Whatever you add, when you mix anything with cream and cheeses be assured it’s going to turn up awesome. This has every merit to be the yum side dish this upcoming holiday season. Or it would become a complete meal by adding some protein for that easy meal night. Sound good? Let’s see how quick and easy this one is…
Ingredients Needed
Cooked Rice – I am using cooked basmati rice, as that’s what we have most often around here. Leftover rice is perfect for this lazy recipe. Spinach – Frozen chopped spinach this time, as the whole idea is to make it easy on you. Just defrost before using. Green bell pepper – Another green vegetable. Scallions – For extra flavors. Garlic – Just a hint. Ricotta – Now you’re talking, baby… yum factor! Sour cream – It’s creamy delicious. Cheese – We are using sharp cheddar today. Salt & Pepper
Green Casserole Recipe
All I’m doing is mixing cooked rice with ricotta, sour cream, garlic, and most of the cheese. I season it with salt and pepper and mix well. Then, I add in spinach, chopped bell pepper, and scallion and mix everything together. I butter my casserole dish and scrape the rice mixture into the prepared casserole. I sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top and bake it in a preheated oven for about half an hour, until the cheese is golden and melting. I told you, super duper easy! Let it cool a bit and dig in. Marvel at the simple easy delicious creamy cheesy flavors of spinachy goodness. Reminds me of Creamed Spinach.
Some variations
Storage
One more bit of good news… This is great make ahead casserole. Just make it a day ahead of the upcoming holidays, cover and refrigerate, then bake it the next day. One less side dish to worry about on a busy cooking holiday. Once cooked, it refrigerates well for 4-5 days. Well, that’s it. I am going to keep it nice and short, as this recipe demands. If you’re searching for some easy side dish or meal, this is it. You can’t get much easier than this green rice casserole! Pin or bookmark this recipe and subscribe to GypsyPlate for lots and lots of delicious easy foods coming your way. Take care…
Green Rice Casserole, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!
Try these other great sides this holiday season:Creamed Peas with Pearl OnionsChili Maple Sweet PotatoesLazy Sweet Potato MashCherry Tomato GratinThanksgiving Kale SaladGoat Cheese Mashed PotatoesButternut Squash BlossomSuccotash
