Zucchini and Rice Casserole with Melted Cheddar

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, baked casserole featuring grated zucchini, cooked rice, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for picky eaters. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 55 minutes pairs Zucchini, Cooked rice, Cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.0 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9x9-inch baking dish.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine grated zucchini, cooled cooked rice, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1/2 cup milk, 1 large egg, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until no dry spots remain.
  3. Step 3: Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
  4. Step 4: Bake 35-40 minutes until top is golden and center is set (a knife inserted should come out clean).
  5. Step 5: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini and Rice Casserole with Melted Cheddar take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Zucchini and Rice Casserole with Melted Cheddar?

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 zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini and Rice Casserole with Melted Cheddar?

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 Zucchini and Rice Casserole with Melted Cheddar for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.

What goes well with Zucchini and Rice Casserole with Melted Cheddar?

American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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