One-Pot Cheesy Vegetable Rice with Peas and Carrots
A creamy, cheesy one-pot rice dish loaded with vibrant peas and carrots, ideal for a quick, wholesome weeknight meal that kids will enjoy. This american-inspired kid friendly (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs long grain white rice, diced carrots, frozen peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 1/4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat until foaming. Add 1 cup diced carrots and sauté for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup long grain white rice, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp onion powder to the pan. Stir to coat the rice and carrots in butter.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 1/4 cups vegetable broth and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the peas are heated through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cheesy Vegetable Rice with Peas and Carrots take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Cheesy Vegetable Rice with Peas and Carrots?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep long grain white rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Cheesy Vegetable Rice with Peas and Carrots?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Cheesy Vegetable Rice with Peas and Carrots for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is One-Pot Cheesy Vegetable Rice with Peas and Carrots vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
