Fast & Filling Instant Rice Casseroles

Rice is the perfect go-with at almost any meal, but cooking regular rice takes time. The solution? Instant rice to the rescue.

Instant or quick-cooking rice is rice that has been pre-cooked and dehydrated, so preparing it is simply a matter of rehydrating it with hot water or other liquid. This not only cuts the cooking time in half (or less!), it also eliminates problems with timing, so there are no worries about spoiling a dish with rice that’s overdone or underdone … and no sticky pot to wash.

Instant rice has fewer calories and carbohydrates than regular long-cooking rice, but it also has less protein. You may find instant rice somewhat less flavorful than long-cooking rice, so try adding herbs and seasonings and using it in savory dishes with other strongly-flavored ingredients.

Here are two fast and simple casseroles that are tasty, nutritious, and filling, and instant rice and frozen veggies make them quick and simple to prepare.

Broccoli and Rice Casserole
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 small onion, diced
5 fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1 can of chicken or vegetable broth
1 package frozen broccoli florets, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil
salt and pepper to taste
1-1/2 cups uncooked instant rice

Melt butter in large, deep frying pan. Saute onion, garlic, and mushrooms in butter until they start to soften (about 4 minutes over medium-low heat). Add the broth, broccoli, basil, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Stir well, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2 minutes. Add rice, stir to mix, then cover and remove from the heat. Let stand for 8 minutes or until broth is absorbed.

Creamy Cheesy Rice And Peas Casserole
1 cup uncooked instant rice
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 onion, diced
1/4 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
1 package of frozen peas, thawed
1/4 cup sour cream
2-3 slices of bread, buttered (for crouton topping)

Saute onion in butter. Cook rice according to package directions, then combine with remaining ingredients. Spoon into casserole dish. Cut the buttered bread into small squares and arrange to cover top of casserole. Bake at 350 till bread is crispy and browned (about 15 minutes).

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