Savory Baked Brown Rice Casserole
This Savory Baked Brown Rice Casserole combines the wholesome goodness of brown rice with rich flavors from beef consomme, French onion soup, and mushrooms, all brought together with a buttery finish. Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Easy to prepare and deliciously aromatic, this dish is a wonderful way to enjoy healthy grains while indulging in comforting flavors. Serve it alongside your favorite protein for a wholesome meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Converted Brown Rice
1 cup (uncooked)
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Beef Consomme
1 can (liquid)
French Onion Soup
1 can (liquid)
Sliced Mushrooms
1 can (drained)
Parmesan Cheese
to taste (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large casserole dish, melt the butter in the oven for a few minutes before removing it.
3
Add the uncooked brown rice, beef consomme, French onion soup, and sliced mushrooms into the melted butter, stirring until well combined.
4
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil, ensuring a good seal to trap steam during baking.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
6
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and uncover it.
7
Sprinkle the top generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
8
Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the top is golden brown.
9
Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your savory baked brown rice!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Baked Brown Rice Casserole?
It is a wholesome side dish or vegetarian main course that combines brown rice with beef consomme, French onion soup, and mushrooms for a rich, aromatic flavor.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350%F (175%C).
What type of rice is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked converted brown rice.
How do I prepare the casserole dish?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the casserole dish in the oven for a few minutes before adding the other ingredients.
What liquid ingredients are used to cook the rice?
The rice is cooked in a mixture of one can of beef consomme and one can of French onion soup.
Do the mushrooms need to be prepared in a specific way?
The recipe uses one can of sliced mushrooms that should be drained before being added to the dish.
How do I ensure the rice cooks properly in the oven?
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to create a good seal that traps steam during the baking process.
How long does the casserole bake while covered?
Bake the covered casserole for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the top after the initial 30 minutes of baking once the foil is removed.
How long is the second baking stage?
After adding the cheese, bake the casserole uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.
How do I know when the rice is finished?
The dish is done when the rice is tender and the cheese on top has turned golden brown.
Should I serve the casserole immediately?
It is recommended to let the dish rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
The recipe is tagged as vegetarian; however, since it uses beef consomme, strict vegetarians should substitute it with vegetable broth.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute the canned mushrooms with fresh sliced mushrooms if preferred.
What can I serve with this rice casserole?
It pairs well with your favorite protein, such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a fresh green salad.
Does the rice need to be cooked before baking?
No, the recipe uses uncooked brown rice which softens and cooks during the baking process.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter, which is melted in the dish to provide a rich finish.
Can I substitute the French onion soup?
If unavailable, you could use onion broth or beef broth with added caramelized onions.
How much Parmesan cheese should I add?
The cheese is added to taste, so you can sprinkle as much or as little as you prefer.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-prepare recipe that is great for beginners.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
You can, but white rice cooks much faster than brown rice, so you would need to adjust the baking time significantly.
What gives the dish its savory flavor?
The combination of beef consomme and French onion soup creates a deep, savory umami profile.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this rice casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container, though the texture of the rice may change slightly upon thawing.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350%F until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Can I add extra protein to the dish?
Yes, you can stir in cooked chicken, ground beef, or tofu before baking to make it a more substantial meal.
Is the foil necessary?
Yes, the foil is essential to trap the moisture needed to hydrate and cook the brown rice.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Parmesan is recommended, Gruyere, Swiss, or sharp cheddar would also work well with the flavors.
What is the texture of the finished rice?
The rice should be tender and fluffy, with a slightly crisp, cheesy topping.
Is this dish aromatic?
Yes, the combination of onion soup and baked rice creates a deliciously aromatic scent while cooking.