Cheesy Zucchini Rice Bake
Cheesy zucchini rice bake combines tender zucchini, cooked brown rice, fresh basil, garlic, onion, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. This comforting vegetarian casserole is suitable for a family dinner or relaxed weekend lunch.
Equipment
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- oven
- Silicone spatula
Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 3 leaves fresh basil chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ medium onion chopped
- 1 cup brown rice cooked
- 1 medium zucchini thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh breadcrumbs
- 2 ounces Monterey Jack cheese grated and divided
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease an 8-inch baking dish.
- Combine the olive oil, basil, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Spread the cooked brown rice evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange half of the zucchini over the brown rice.
- Sprinkle the zucchini with the fresh breadcrumbs and half of the Monterey Jack cheese.
- Drizzle half of the seasoned olive oil over the first layer.
- Distribute the chopped onion evenly over the casserole.
- Arrange the remaining zucchini over the onion.
- Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese over the zucchini.
- Drizzle the remaining seasoned olive oil over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is golden.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a fresh green salad, roasted tomatoes, steamed green beans, or crusty bread. It can also accompany dishes from our Chicken Recipes or Fish Recipes.Recipe Notes
Use fully cooked brown rice and slice the zucchini evenly so the casserole cooks consistently. If the zucchini is particularly watery, place the slices on paper towels for 10 minutes before assembling. Browse our Casserole Recipes for more easy oven meals.Variations
Replace Monterey Jack with Cheddar, mozzarella, or Gouda. Add mushrooms, chopped tomatoes, spinach, or bell pepper for more vegetables. White rice or wild rice can replace the brown rice. Discover more meat-free meals in our Vegetarian Recipes and more ideas in our Cheese Recipes.Wine Advice
An unoaked Chardonnay complements the creamy cheese while retaining enough freshness for the zucchini. A light Pinot Noir is a suitable red-wine alternative.Nutrition values
Calories: 185 kcal | Carbohydrates: 25 g | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 8 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Sodium: 230 mg | Sugar: 3 g