Zucchini Rice Stuffing Casserole Recipe
A comforting and hearty Zucchini Rice Stuffing Casserole blending tender zucchini, savory chicken-flavored stuffing, creamy sour cream, and fluffy rice, baked to a golden brown perfection. This dish makes for a delightful side or a vegetarian-friendly main when using a vegetarian soup substitute, perfect for cozy family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 6 cups (approx. 900 g) zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (150 g) onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup (110 g) carrots, coarsely shredded
Grains & Dairy
- 1 cup (180 g) cooked white rice (long grain or jasmine)
- 1 cup (240 g) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
Canned & Mixes
- 1 can (298 g) cream of chicken soup
- 1 box (170 g) chicken-flavored stuffing mix
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Vegetables and Dairy: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced zucchini, finely chopped onion, coarsely shredded carrots, pre-cooked and fluffed rice, sour cream, and softened unsalted butter thoroughly, ensuring an even mixture.
- Important Note on Rice: Use fully cooked and well-fluffed rice to ensure it absorbs moisture during baking. Undercooked or dry rice may remain firm or crunchy after baking, affecting the casserole’s texture.
- Add Soup and Stuffing Mix: Incorporate the cream of chicken soup and chicken-flavored stuffing mix into the vegetable and rice mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preference, mixing well to distribute the seasoning.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the combined mixture into a greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly to allow uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly and enhance flavor melding.
Notes
- Use fully cooked rice to avoid a crunchy texture in the casserole.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute cream of chicken soup with a vegetarian cream soup alternative and use vegetable-flavored stuffing mix.
- Butter can be substituted with margarine or a plant-based butter alternative for dietary preferences.
- Add herbs like thyme or parsley for additional flavor if desired.
- Ensure the casserole dish is well-greased to prevent sticking.
Keywords: zucchini casserole, rice stuffing casserole, baked zucchini, vegetable casserole, chicken stuffing casserole
