Zucchini Rice Stuffing Casserole (Printable Version)

Zucchini, rice, and cheddar with savory stuffing make this golden-baked casserole a family favorite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 6 cups zucchini, sliced
02 - 1 cup onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 cup carrots, shredded

→ Base

04 - 1 cup cooked white rice
05 - 300 g cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup
06 - 1 cup sour cream
07 - 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

→ Seasonings

08 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Topping

11 - 170 g seasoned stuffing mix
12 - ½ cup melted butter

# Steps To Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 175°C. Lightly grease a 23x33 cm baking dish.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the zucchini, onion, and carrots in a small amount of oil or butter for 5 to 7 minutes until beginning to soften. Remove from heat.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, cooked rice, soup, sour cream, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
04 - Evenly spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
05 - In a separate bowl, combine seasoned stuffing mix with melted butter until fully moistened.
06 - Spread the stuffing mixture evenly over the filling in the baking dish.
07 - Bake uncovered at 175°C for 30 to 35 minutes until hot, bubbling, and the topping is golden brown.

# Notes and Tips:

01 - For a vegetarian option, select cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
02 - For advance preparation, assemble but do not bake; freeze, then thaw in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
03 - This dish serves well as a main course for vegetarians or as a robust side for gatherings.