Save
This cheesy zucchini rice casserole has become my favorite solution for weeknight dinners when the garden is overflowing with squash and everyone wants comfort food. Creamy and satisfying with savory stuffing on top it disappears fast at potlucks and always brings people back for seconds.
Ingredients
- Zucchini: sliced fresh and tender use medium sized squash that feel firm and glossy
- Onion: finely chopped gives sweet flavor and aroma look for onions with tight skins
- Carrots: shredded add color and mild sweetness buy firm bright orange carrots for best texture
- Cooked white rice: long grain or jasmine keeps casserole soft and soaks up flavors leftover rice works great
- Cream of mushroom or chicken soup: brings creamy texture and savory depth check labels for a smooth variety
- Sour cream: amps up creaminess and tang opt for full fat for best richness
- Shredded cheddar cheese: melts beautifully and adds bold taste
- Garlic powder: wakes up the veggies and brings warm flavor choose a fresh jar for best punch
- Salt and pepper: finish the seasoning balance with a tasting spoon
- Seasoned stuffing mix: makes a crunchy buttery topping go for a trusted favorite brand
- Melted butter: binds the stuffing and helps it brown use unsalted if you want to control the salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred seventy five degrees Celsius and grease your nine by thirteen inch casserole dish to prevent sticking
- Prep the Veggies:
- In a large skillet over medium heat gently sauté zucchini onion and carrots in a splash of oil or butter for about five to seven minutes until they are tender but not mushy stirring occasionally The goal is soft veggies with a bit of color
- Mix the Casserole Base:
- Combine the cooked vegetables with rice soup sour cream one cup of cheddar cheese garlic powder salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl Use a sturdy spoon to blend until everything is evenly mixed You want all the rice coated and veggies surrounded by creamy sauce
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the casserole mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish then sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a melty cheesy layer
- Prepare the Stuffing Topping:
- Mix your stuffing mix with melted butter in a separate bowl until every crumb is glossy and moistened Spoon the buttery stuffing on top of the casserole spread it evenly with your hands or a spoon for maximum crunch
- Bake:
- Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for thirty to thirty five minutes until the stuffing topping is golden brown and crisp and the casserole is bubbly around the edges
Save
I always use sharp cheddar for extra flavor and I remember making this dish after my daughter picked zucchini from our backyard garden She loved tossing the crunchy stuffing over the top and watching it turn golden in the oven
Storage Tips
Cool leftover casserole completely before storing it in an airtight container It will keep well in the fridge for up to four days For best taste reheat in a moderate oven so the toppings stay crisp but a quick microwave works for speedy meals This casserole also freezes well before baking just wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge overnight before popping straight into the oven
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom if you want a vegetarian main Light sour cream works in a pinch and for the cheese try Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend Zucchini can even be replaced with yellow summer squash for color variation Use brown rice for more fiber
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole as a main dish with a green salad or alongside grilled chicken or pork It works equally well as a hearty side for a BBQ or holiday dinner Sometimes I garnish each plate with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color If you have leftovers spoon into lunch containers and add a squeeze of lemon for brightness
Cultural Context
Casseroles are a classic part of American family gatherings especially in the Midwest where comfort food reigns Suppers with comforting layers of veggies cheese and crispy toppings bring people together at community potlucks This recipe is also a nostalgic nod to garden abundance and making the most of what you have on hand
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, cooked brown rice can be used. It adds a nuttier flavor and slightly firmer texture.
- → What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce works great as alternatives for creaminess.
- → Is this dish freezer friendly?
Absolutely—assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.
- → How can I make it vegetarian?
Use cream of mushroom soup and check your stuffing mix for vegetarian-friendly ingredients.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Pair with grilled chicken or a crisp salad. It also works well as a hearty side with holiday meals.