Rice Casserole Italiano

Rice Casserole Italiano Recipe - Traditional Italian dish with zucchini, beef, onion, and tomato

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Rice Casserole Italiano is a delicious and hearty dish that combines zucchini, ground beef, rice, and cheese in a flavorful casserole. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, as it is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

History

The origins of Rice Casserole Italiano are not clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional Italian flavors and ingredients. This casserole dish has become a popular comfort food in many households, thanks to its simple yet satisfying combination of ingredients.

Ingredients

1 qt (946 ml) sliced zucchini (about 1 lb) OR 2 10 oz (283 g) packages frozen zucchini
1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tsp salt
1 tsp basil
0.5 tsp ground oregano
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
2 cups cooked rice
1 8 oz (227 g) can tomato sauce
1 cup cottage cheese
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Cook the zucchini in boiling salted water for about 2 to 3 minutes, then drain well.
In a large skillet, cook the meat, onion, garlic, salt, basil, oregano, and pepper until the onion becomes transparent. Stir in the rice and tomato sauce.
Blend the cottage cheese and egg together. Arrange half of the zucchini slices in a buttered shallow 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole dish, then spoon the meat-rice mixture on top. Spread the cottage cheese over the meat mixture. Top with the remaining zucchini slices and sprinkle with Cheddar Cheese. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground beef and add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
You can also use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan, for a unique flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the zucchini just until tender, as overcooking can make it mushy.

- For extra flavor, you can add some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by using different types of cheese or adding herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rice Casserole Italiano with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.

- Substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rice Casserole Italiano contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Rice Casserole Italiano contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Rice Casserole Italiano contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Rice Casserole Italiano contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and cottage cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Rice Casserole Italiano is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rice Casserole Italiano is a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this casserole is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy Italian kitchen. The smell of garlic and tomatoes filled the air as she stirred a pot of bubbling sauce on the stove.

Maria noticed my curiosity and smiled, "Would you like to learn how to make my family's famous Rice Casserole Italiano?" she asked. I eagerly nodded, excited to learn a new dish to add to my repertoire.

As she walked me through the ingredients and steps, I listened intently, taking mental notes of each detail. The key, she explained, was to use arborio rice for its creamy texture and to slowly simmer the casserole to meld the flavors together.

I watched as she sautéed onions and garlic in olive oil until they were fragrant and golden brown. Then, she added diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat. The aroma that filled the kitchen was simply irresistible.

Next, Maria stirred in the arborio rice, coating each grain with the flavorful mixture. She poured in chicken broth and let the casserole simmer gently until the rice was tender and creamy. Finally, she topped it off with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal together, I took my first bite of the Rice Casserole Italiano. The combination of flavors was divine – the rich tomato sauce, the creamy rice, and the sharpness of the cheese all came together in perfect harmony.

From that moment on, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I thanked Maria profusely for sharing her family's secret with me, and she simply smiled and said, "Cooking is all about sharing love and memories through food."

Over the years, I have made the Rice Casserole Italiano countless times, sharing it with friends and family at gatherings and potlucks. Each time I prepare it, I think of Maria and the day she taught me how to make it.

As I pass on this recipe to my grandchildren, I tell them the story of how I learned to make it from Maria, and how it has become a cherished part of our family's culinary tradition. I hope that they will continue to make it for generations to come, creating their own memories and stories to pass down.

In the end, cooking is more than just following a recipe – it is about creating connections, sharing traditions, and preserving the flavors of the past. And for me, the Rice Casserole Italiano will always hold a special place in my heart as a reminder of the bond between food, family, and love.