Cheesy Brown Rice and Greens Casserole is a delicious, hearty, vegetarian casserole that’s also super flexible! Use any kind of grain such as quinoa, barley or lentils and any type of leafy green.
Thanksgiving Day was absolutely gorgeous here–gorgeous enough to have the windows open. I cooked at my own leisurely pace while watching the Fixer Upper marathon on HGTV. Every so often I’d hear the leaves rustling outside and would pay attention to their magical sound. I totally got my cooking zen on!
Having gone a little food crazy in my zen state, we have plenty of leftovers. However, at least once during the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend, I want something easy and different–like this Cheesy Brown Rice and Greens Casserole.
Cheesy Brown Rice and Greens Casserole is super-flexible. I used brown rice here, but you can use any grain you’d like such as barley, lentils or quinoa and any greens that you’d like. I used kale, bok choy and baby spinach here. Love me some greens no matter what they are!
You could also add leftover turkey or chicken, too!
Tips for cooking brown rice:
Here’s the easiest way I have found to cook brown rice (and I’ve cooked a ton of brown rice in my time):
- Get a saucepan of water boiling
- Add some salt then add the brown rice.
- Let it boil away uncovered!
- Check it after about 20 minutes and if it’s done the way you like it, then drain in a sieve. If not, let it keep boiling. Some brands can take longer to cook than others.
- Add water as necessary to keep it cooking in plenty of water.
Yes, that’s right–no measuring, no timing, no possible burning the rice on the bottom–just boil it like pasta and keep it moving.
As with pasta, if brown rice is cooked in a small amount of water it gets gummy and sticky. Basically, it has cooked in its own starch. With this method, you will have beautiful, fluffy brown rice each and every time!
Because the “pasta method” for brown rice is so easy and fool-proof, I always cook extra brown rice so I have it on hand for a casserole or a side dish–it freezes beautifully.
The texture of Cheesy Brown Rice and Greens Casserole is slightly different from most casseroles you may be used to. There’s no creamy “binder,” which in the South often involves a can of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream or mayonnaise. It’s just eggs and cheese for a delightfully chewy, crunchy texture.
A slightly spicy homemade tomato soup is perfect on the side!
For more great vegetarian casseroles, be sure to try my:
Layered Zucchini Corn Casserole
Layered Zucchini Corn Casserole is Southern-inspired, creamy, cheesy and the perfect way to enjoy a summer vegetable bounty!
Healthier Turkish Eggplant Casserole - Imam Bayildi
Healthier Turkish Eggplant Casserole is spin on the classic Imam Bayildi, known for the extravagant amount of olive oil that's typically in it. Here's a lighter version without all the oil but with all the flavor!
Brown Rice Cheddar and Kale Casserole
Brown Rice Cheddar Kale Casserole is perfect meatless comfort food that's also super versatile! Vary the grains and vary the greens!
Zucchini Yellow Squash and Quinoa Casserole
Zucchini, Yellow Squash and Quinoa Casserole is a delicious way to use a summer bounty of zucchini and yellow squash either as a side dish or hearty meatless meal! With a delightfully creamy texture, the goodness and protein of quinoa, the crunchy topping, it's worth turning your oven on for!
Southwestern Lentil and Brown Rice Bake
Southwestern Lentil and Brown Rice Bake is cheesy, delicious meatless comfort food even a carnivore will love and is super easy to prepare! Simply combine everything in a baking dish, pop it in the oven and let it bake away while you do other things.
Italian Summer Vegetable Casserole
Italian Summer Vegetable Casserole is the best of summer produce in a beautiful Mediterranean-inspired dish! The vegetables are grilled first for a touch of smokiness, then smothered and layered with marinara sauce and cheese. This beautiful combination is then baked until bubbling and crusty!
Helpful Tools and Equipment to make Cheesy Brown Rice and Greens Casserole (Affiliate Links):
Cheesy Brown Rice and Greens Casserole
Cheesy Brown Rice and Greens Casserole is a delicious, hearty, vegetarian casserole that’s also super flexible! Use any kind of grain such as quinoa, barley or lentils and any type of leafy green.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for pan
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 8 heads baby bok choy, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed, coarsely chopped
- 1 bag (10-ounce) baby spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked brown rice (or barley, lentils or quinoa or a combination)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Oil a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or saute pan. Add onion and cook until softened, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the bok choy and kale in batches; cook each batch until wilted. Stir in garlic. Transfer to a large bowl. Add spinach to wilt slightly.
- Stir in cooked brown rice. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Stir in eggs and cheese.
- Transfer to prepared baking pan. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese and top is lightly browned.
Notes
Prep time does not include cooking the rice.
MAKE AHEAD: Assemble, cool and refrigerator up to 2 days ahead.
TO REHEAT LEFTOVERS: Cut into squares, wrap loosely in aluminum foil. Heat at 325 degrees for 30 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
6Amount Per Serving Calories 368Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 126mgSodium 215mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 5gSugar 3gProtein 20g
PSeery says
I made this with the beer turkey meatballs and it was a hit. I will definitely be making it again. Yummo! Ty
Carol says
Thanks so very much and glad you all enjoyed!
Janet Hargreaves says
I have just found your blog after searching for a grain casserole. What an inspiring blog! We have just eaten your grains and greens casserole it was delicious. I used brown rice, barley and green lentils I also chopped a bunch of fresh sage in there and added some sliced tomatoes on the top and served it with a dish of roasted veg. It looked fantastic too and my all-male family didn’t complain that it was meatless
I really love the combination of meat and vegetarian dishes that you have on your blog. I shall be working my way through your recipes. Thank you for sharing !!
Jen says
I came across this recipe after I saw it on vegetarian recipes. I am not a fond of that website because it is full of ads and pop ups, and frankly it is a pain to find the actual link to the recipe they are promoting, but let me tell you folks, am I glad I weeded through that clinky website to find this AMAZING recipe!
I am not a vegetarian but am trying to eat more vegetable inspired recipes, and this really and truly is the BEST recipe I have ever made, EVER! It is not only delish but also very easy tp put together with little fuss for those with busy schedules. And you are putting together something that is loaded with nutrients and not all the bad for you stuff.
Thank you for this wonderful recipe, it is quite spectacular, you should win an award, I am so serious…it is that good!
Thank you!
Carol says
Hi, Jen, Thank you so much and I’ll take that award….LOL! I don’t know which website you’re talking about; Bloggers’ recipes can show up in all sorts of places. Thank you again and please stay in touch!
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says
This casserole looks so comforting! I’d love a slice for dinner with a nice fresh salad.
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
Woah, this looks fab! Love that it’s healthy as it looks super decadent! 🙂
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
This looks and sounds wonderful! Healthy comfort food. And the addition of Swiss cheese is just awesome.
Megan Keno says
What a nice, healthy dinner! I love this idea!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons says
You’re a rockstar for juggling both! This casserole looks beyond amazing, such a healthy comfort food twist!
Lisa says
Carol I absolutely love your greens and grains casserole! It has all the comfort of a great casserole and none of the guilt – a perfect healthy vegetarian meal.
Kristina says
this sounds lovely – and I honestly have EVERYTHING to make this right now, even the bok choy! this might be lunch tomorrow… 🙂