Savory Baked Mushroom Rice Casserole
This Savory Baked Mushroom Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that beautifully combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with hearty white rice, making it a perfect rustic side or a complete vegetarian meal. Growing up, my father's enthusiasm for mushroom hunting sparked a dislike in me for these delightful fungi, but now, with a newfound love for their rich umami taste, I can’t resist incorporating them into my cooking. This recipe is simple yet versatile, and you can easily customize it by adding your favorite spices, herbs, or proteins. Whether served at a family dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish promises to warm hearts and fill bellies.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked white rice
2 cups (none)
condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (none)
vegetable broth
3 cups (none)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (chop finely)
chopped fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup (chop finely)
dried parsley
1 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
butter, melted
1/4 cup (melt and cool slightly)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked white rice, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and vegetable broth. Mix well to ensure the rice is evenly coated.
3
Gently fold in the chopped onion, fresh mushrooms, dried parsley, and oregano. Pour in the melted butter and season with salt and pepper, stirring until everything is well combined.
4
Transfer the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish with a lid or tightly with aluminum foil to help trap moisture.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 to 50 minutes. Check for tenderness; if the rice appears dry before cooking is complete, add a splash of water, re-cover, and continue baking until the rice is tender and fluffy.
6
Once done, remove from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes, then fluff with a fork before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Baked Mushroom Rice Casserole?
It is a comforting dish that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with hearty white rice, suitable as a side or a vegetarian meal.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked white rice.
Do I need to cook the rice before baking the casserole?
No, the rice is added to the mixture uncooked and bakes in the oven.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 2-quart baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to trap moisture.
How long does it take to bake?
The casserole takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes to bake.
What ingredients are needed for the liquid base?
The base consists of 3 cups of vegetable broth and one 10.75-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup.
Can I use fresh mushrooms?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh mushrooms.
What herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with dried parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is a vegetarian dish as it uses vegetable broth and mushroom-based soup.
How much butter is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of melted butter.
What should I do if the rice looks dry before it is finished cooking?
Add a splash of water, re-cover the dish, and continue baking until the rice is tender.
How should the onion be prepared?
The 1/2 cup of onion should be finely chopped before being added to the mix.
What is the first step in the assembly process?
The first step is to combine the uncooked rice, condensed soup, and vegetable broth in a large mixing bowl.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total, including seasonings.
Can I add extra protein to this casserole?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and you can easily customize it by adding your favorite proteins.
How should the dish be served?
After removing it from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes and then fluff with a fork before serving.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, while the recipe specifies vegetable broth, chicken broth can be used as a substitute.
What is the purpose of the condensed cream of mushroom soup?
It provides a creamy texture and enhances the mushroom flavor of the casserole.
Is this dish family-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly comfort food that promises to fill bellies.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Yes, though the recipe calls for dried parsley and oregano, fresh herbs can be used by adjusting the measurements.
What type of mushrooms work best?
Any fresh mushrooms that you enjoy can be used as long as they are finely chopped.
How much dried parsley is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
Is there any preparation needed for the butter?
The butter should be melted and allowed to cool slightly before adding to the mixture.
How much oregano is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Can this be made in a slow cooker?
While the primary instructions are for baking, it is tagged as a slow cooker compatible dish.
How do I ensure the rice is evenly cooked?
Ensure the rice is evenly coated with the soup and broth mixture and spread it evenly in the baking dish.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
While specific nutritional data isn't provided, the use of butter and condensed soup typically includes some cholesterol.
What is the texture of the finished rice?
When properly cooked and fluffed, the rice should be tender and fluffy.