Zucchini Rice Casserole (Brown Rice!)

Cheesy, comforting, and filling, zucchini rice casserole is going to become a favorite around any family table. It’s also a great use for leftover rice!

You know I love my salads as much as the next girl but sometimes you want something more cozy and comforting. Something warm and soft, like a blanket, to wrap around you when you’re having one of those days. Okay, okay, okay, I know we shouldn’t use food to comfort us, but there’s something about the magical combination of cheese and rice that does the trick.

The best part of this zucchini rice casserole, though, is that you’re still eating something nutritious. You’re not drowning those sorrows in an entire chocolate cake or even a burger and fries.

Included in this zucchini rice casserole are the obvious ingredients: zucchini and rice. Summer always leads to plentiful zucchini and this is a great use for it, as is homemade zucchini bread or pizza zucchini noodles.

I like to use brown rice not only for its nutritional value but also because it’s filling, nutty, and flavorful. To speed up the rice cooking time, make the brown rice in your Instant Pot (if you have one).

Then we get to the really good stuff — cheese! I use a mix of Parmesan and sharp cheddar to give this casserole tons of great flavor. Hold everything together with Greek yogurt, sour cream, and eggs.

Zucchini rice casserole would make a great side dish for your Thanksgiving dinner, too! Or even as a main dish for meatless Mondays!

A mix of whole wheat panko bread crumbs (these are the kind I buy) with some herbs, spices, and more Parmesan gives the casserole a crispy crust that seals the deal and makes this recipe a total winner.

 

More veggie casseroles!

You all know I’m a girl that loves roasted vegetables, but every once in awhile I get down with a casserole like this zucchini rice casserole. Try these recipes:

 

• Green Bean Casserole (no canned soup!)
• Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Bacon and Gruyere
• Barley, Bulgur, and Vegetable Vegan Casserole
• Cauliflower, Potato and Cheddar Bake
• Chili Relleno Casserole from Belly Full
• Tomato Basil Summer Veggie Casserole from The Food Charlatan

Verdict: Cozy and comforting, this is one of my go-to side dishes or vegetarian meals. It’s hearty, cheesy, and creamy without being overly heavy.
Husband’s take: Ben loves this! I also brought it to a family gathering and it was a hit with everyone there.
Changes I would make: None at all are necessary! You could make this zucchini rice casserole with white rice if you don’t care for brown rice.
Difficulty: Very easy!

Disclosure: I have been compensated by Milk Means More for my time to develop this zucchini rice casserole recipe and write this post. All opinions are as always, my own. Find out more about why Milk Means More on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.