Best 2 California Rice Casserole Recipes

Welcome to a culinary journey that unveils the delectable California Rice Casserole, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This iconic dish, deeply rooted in the culinary heritage of California, is a symphony of rice, tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a creamy, indulgent sauce. Join us as we embark on a gastronomic adventure, exploring the diverse variations of this classic casserole, each offering a unique twist on this timeless favorite. From the classic California Rice Casserole with its comforting simplicity to the tantalizing Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Casserole with its vibrant flavors, and the hearty Sausage and Rice Casserole with its robust blend of spices, every recipe promises a delightful culinary experience. Let's dive into the world of California Rice Casserole and discover the endless possibilities that await your palate.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CALIFORNIA RICE CASSEROLE

California Rice Casserole image

This one has been a hit everywhere I take it! It couldn't be any easier to make, AND you can prepare it ahead of time, AND it gets rave reviews - all of which makes you a rock star!

Provided by luvn-n-the-oven

Categories Rice

Time 55m

Yield 12-15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 cups sour cream
1 cup diced onion
1 -2 garlic clove, minced
4 tablespoons butter
4 cups cooked rice
1 cup cottage cheese
2 (4 ounce) cans green chilies
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease bottom of 9" x 13" casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Saute onions in butter until very soft, stirring constantly. Add garlic during last two minutes of cooking.
In large bowl combine cooked rice, onion/garlic/butter mixture, sour cream, cottage cheese, chilis, salt and pepper.
Layer half the rice mixture in bottom of casserole dish and top with half of shredded cheese. Repeat with remainder of rice mixture; top with remainder of cheese. (If making ahead of time, cover with plastic wrap after everything is assembled and refrigerate up to a day. Remember to let your dish come to room temperature before you place it in the oven.).
Bake for 30 - 40 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.

CALIFORNIA RICE CASSEROLE

California Rice Casserole image

Very yummy side dish. A dear lady used to bring this to work for pot-lucks and everyone loved it. You could easily cut this recipe in half. (Cooking time is based on using a slow cooker!)

Provided by Angel91805

Categories White Rice

Time 4h20m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter
1 cup finely chopped onion
4 cups cooked white rice
2 cups sour cream
1 cup cream-style cottage cheese
1 large bay leaf (finely crushed)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chilies, drained
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley

Steps:

Melt butter in skillet and saute onion until golden brown.
In a large mixing bowl mix all the ingredients together.
Transfer to a crockpot at low setting for 4 hours. OR put in a lightly greased 2 quart shallow baking dish in preheated oven at 375 degrees uncovered for about 25 minutes or until bubbly and hot.
* Note: to prepare 4 cups fluffy white rice, bring 2 1/2 cups cold water to boiling in a large saucepan. Add 1 cup converted rice and 1 tsp salt. Cover tightly and cook over low heat until water is absorbed, about 25-35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 307.8, Fat 19.1, SaturatedFat 11.9, Cholesterol 49.4, Sodium 335.2, Carbohydrate 24.2, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 2.2, Protein 10.3

Tips:

For the best results, use medium-grain rice. Medium-grain rice has a higher starch content than long-grain rice, which helps to create a creamy, cohesive casserole.
Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking. This will help to remove any excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming gummy.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot to cook the rice. This will help to evenly distribute the heat and prevent the rice from scorching.
Bring the rice and water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 18 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
After 18 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it stand for 5 minutes, still covered. This will allow the rice to finish cooking and absorb any remaining liquid.
While the rice is cooking, prepare the other ingredients for the casserole. This includes chopping the vegetables, browning the ground beef, and making the sauce.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and then stir in the other ingredients. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.
Serve the casserole hot, with additional toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Conclusion:

California rice casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover rice. With its creamy texture, savory flavor, and cheesy topping, this casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family. So next time you are looking for a quick and satisfying meal, give California rice casserole a try.

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