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15 Cozy Gluten-Free Casseroles for Busy Weeknights

A casserole is useful when you want a warm dinner that also gives you leftovers. These 15 gluten-free casseroles use cooked rice instead of wheat pasta, with vegetables and chicken, beans, or turkey in the filling. A modest cheese topping brings the familiar comfort-food finish.

Prep the parts before assembling

  • Use cooked rice. Adding dry rice would require a different amount of liquid and a different baking method.
  • Cook the poultry and firm vegetables before they go into the baking dish.
  • A 9-by-13-inch dish gives the filling room to heat evenly. Make two dishes when doubling.

Before you start cooking

Every recipe includes its serving count, ingredient quantities, preparation time, cooking time, and complete directions. Cooking times are estimates; check tenderness and safe temperatures before serving. Where cooked rice or cooked lentils are listed, prepare them according to their package directions first. That separate cooking time is not included.

Grocery prices vary by location and season. The budget tips focus on affordable staples, overlapping ingredients, and avoiding waste rather than promising an unverified price per serving.

Choose gluten-free ingredients

Use gluten-free broth, seasoning blends, baking powder, and other packaged ingredients as specified. Choose certified gluten-free oats wherever oats are listed. Plain rice, vegetables, beans, and unseasoned poultry provide a naturally gluten-free base, but labels and kitchen cross-contact still matter. The FDA explains gluten-free labeling and what it means.

How the protein estimates were calculated

These are conservative ingredient-based estimates, not a complete nutrition analysis. Poultry recipes count 1 1/2 pounds as six 4-ounce portions, assume a label value of 20 grams protein per 4 ounces raw poultry, and divide by four servings: about 30 grams each. Greek yogurt recipes assume 10 grams per 100 grams yogurt; cottage cheese recipes assume 11 grams per 100 grams. Egg recipes count 6 grams per egg. Other ingredients may add protein but are not counted here. Check your product labels and divide the finished dish into the stated number of equal portions.

Jump to a recipe

  1. Chili-Spiced Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Casserole
  2. Ginger-Spiced Chicken and Butternut Squash Rice Casserole
  3. Garlic-Herb Chicken and Cabbage and Carrot Rice Casserole
  4. Rosemary Chicken and Mushroom and Carrot Rice Casserole
  5. Smoky Chicken and Pumpkin Rice Casserole
  6. Thyme Chicken and Apple and Carrot Rice Casserole
  7. Curried Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Casserole
  8. Sage Chicken and Potato and Celery Rice Casserole
  9. Chili-Spiced Chicken and Spinach and Carrot Rice Casserole
  10. Ginger-Spiced Chicken and Green Bean and Carrot Rice Casserole
  11. Garlic-Herb White Bean and Sweet Potato Rice Casserole
  12. Rosemary White Bean and Butternut Squash Rice Casserole
  13. Smoky White Bean and Cabbage and Carrot Rice Casserole
  14. Thyme White Bean and Mushroom and Carrot Rice Casserole
  15. Curried White Bean and Pumpkin Rice Casserole

1. Chili-Spiced Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Casserole

Servings: 4   Prep: 20 minutes   Cook: 60 minutes

Estimated protein: about 30 grams per serving from the primary protein ingredients. See the calculation note above.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons gluten-free salt-free chili powder and 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free unsalted broth
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Set out a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This casserole uses cooked rice and, if listed, cooked lentils.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet. Cook the onion for 5 minutes, then add the garlic. For chicken or turkey, add the poultry and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up ground turkey, until it reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.
  3. Add the vegetables, seasonings, tomatoes with their juices, and broth. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cooked poultry or beans or lentils.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the cooked rice and yogurt. Spread in the baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center reaches 165°F and the edges bubble. Rest for 5 minutes, then add the finishing ingredient and divide into four generous portions.

Budget and prep tip: A small cheese topping gives the casserole familiar comfort-food flavor. Freeze cooled portions before they are forgotten; reheat with a spoonful of water if needed.

2. Ginger-Spiced Chicken and Butternut Squash Rice Casserole

Servings: 4   Prep: 20 minutes   Cook: 60 minutes

Estimated protein: about 30 grams per serving from the primary protein ingredients. See the calculation note above.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 cups peeled butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free unsalted broth
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Set out a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This casserole uses cooked rice and, if listed, cooked lentils.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet. Cook the onion for 5 minutes, then add the garlic. For chicken or turkey, add the poultry and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up ground turkey, until it reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.
  3. Add the vegetables, seasonings, tomatoes with their juices, and broth. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cooked poultry or beans or lentils.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the cooked rice and yogurt. Spread in the baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center reaches 165°F and the edges bubble. Rest for 5 minutes, then add the finishing ingredient and divide into four generous portions.

Budget and prep tip: A small cheese topping gives the casserole familiar comfort-food flavor. Freeze cooled portions before they are forgotten; reheat with a spoonful of water if needed.

3. Garlic-Herb Chicken and Cabbage and Carrot Rice Casserole

Servings: 4   Prep: 20 minutes   Cook: 60 minutes

Estimated protein: about 30 grams per serving from the primary protein ingredients. See the calculation note above.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 cups thinly sliced cabbage and 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free unsalted broth
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Set out a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This casserole uses cooked rice and, if listed, cooked lentils.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet. Cook the onion for 5 minutes, then add the garlic. For chicken or turkey, add the poultry and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up ground turkey, until it reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.
  3. Add the vegetables, seasonings, tomatoes with their juices, and broth. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cooked poultry or beans or lentils.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the cooked rice and yogurt. Spread in the baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center reaches 165°F and the edges bubble. Rest for 5 minutes, then add the finishing ingredient and divide into four generous portions.

Budget and prep tip: A small cheese topping gives the casserole familiar comfort-food flavor. Freeze cooled portions before they are forgotten; reheat with a spoonful of water if needed.

4. Rosemary Chicken and Mushroom and Carrot Rice Casserole

Servings: 4   Prep: 20 minutes   Cook: 60 minutes

Estimated protein: about 30 grams per serving from the primary protein ingredients. See the calculation note above.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced, and 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free unsalted broth
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Set out a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This casserole uses cooked rice and, if listed, cooked lentils.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet. Cook the onion for 5 minutes, then add the garlic. For chicken or turkey, add the poultry and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up ground turkey, until it reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.
  3. Add the vegetables, seasonings, tomatoes with their juices, and broth. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cooked poultry or beans or lentils.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the cooked rice and yogurt. Spread in the baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center reaches 165°F and the edges bubble. Rest for 5 minutes, then add the finishing ingredient and divide into four generous portions.

Budget and prep tip: A small cheese topping gives the casserole familiar comfort-food flavor. Freeze cooled portions before they are forgotten; reheat with a spoonful of water if needed.

5. Smoky Chicken and Pumpkin Rice Casserole

Servings: 4   Prep: 20 minutes   Cook: 60 minutes

Estimated protein: about 30 grams per serving from the primary protein ingredients. See the calculation note above.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups plain canned pumpkin puree and 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free unsalted broth
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Set out a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This casserole uses cooked rice and, if listed, cooked lentils.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet. Cook the onion for 5 minutes, then add the garlic. For chicken or turkey, add the poultry and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up ground turkey, until it reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.
  3. Add the vegetables, seasonings, tomatoes with their juices, and broth. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cooked poultry or beans or lentils.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the cooked rice and yogurt. Spread in the baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center reaches 165°F and the edges bubble. Rest for 5 minutes, then add the finishing ingredient and divide into four generous portions.

Budget and prep tip: A small cheese topping gives the casserole familiar comfort-food flavor. Freeze cooled portions before they are forgotten; reheat with a spoonful of water if needed.

6. Thyme Chicken and Apple and Carrot Rice Casserole

Servings: 4   Prep: 20 minutes   Cook: 60 minutes

Estimated protein: about 30 grams per serving from the primary protein ingredients. See the calculation note above.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 firm apples, diced, and 3 carrots, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free unsalted broth
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Set out a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This casserole uses cooked rice and, if listed, cooked lentils.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet. Cook the onion for 5 minutes, then add the garlic. For chicken or turkey, add the poultry and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up ground turkey, until it reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.
  3. Add the vegetables, seasonings, tomatoes with their juices, and broth. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cooked poultry or beans or lentils.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the cooked rice and yogurt. Spread in the baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center reaches 165°F and the edges bubble. Rest for 5 minutes, then add the finishing ingredient and divide into four generous portions.

Budget and prep tip: A small cheese topping gives the casserole familiar comfort-food flavor. Freeze cooled portions before they are forgotten; reheat with a spoonful of water if needed.

7. Curried Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Casserole

Servings: 4   Prep: 20 minutes   Cook: 60 minutes

Estimated protein: about 30 grams per serving from the primary protein ingredients. See the calculation note above.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 cups small cauliflower florets and 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons gluten-free salt-free curry powder
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free unsalted broth
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Set out a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This casserole uses cooked rice and, if listed, cooked lentils.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet. Cook the onion for 5 minutes, then add the garlic. For chicken or turkey, add the poultry and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up ground turkey, until it reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.
  3. Add the vegetables, seasonings, tomatoes with their juices, and broth. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cooked poultry or beans or lentils.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the cooked rice and yogurt. Spread in the baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center reaches 165°F and the edges bubble. Rest for 5 minutes, then add the finishing ingredient and divide into four generous portions.

Budget and prep tip: A small cheese topping gives the casserole familiar comfort-food flavor. Freeze cooled portions before they are forgotten; reheat with a spoonful of water if needed.

8. Sage Chicken and Potato and Celery Rice Casserole

Servings: 4   Prep: 20 minutes   Cook: 60 minutes

Estimated protein: about 30 grams per serving from the primary protein ingredients. See the calculation note above.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 pound potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, and 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free unsalted broth
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Set out a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This casserole uses cooked rice and, if listed, cooked lentils.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet. Cook the onion for 5 minutes, then add the garlic. For chicken or turkey, add the poultry and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up ground turkey, until it reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.
  3. Add the vegetables, seasonings, tomatoes with their juices, and broth. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cooked poultry or beans or lentils.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the cooked rice and yogurt. Spread in the baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center reaches 165°F and the edges bubble. Rest for 5 minutes, then add the finishing ingredient and divide into four generous portions.

Budget and prep tip: A small cheese topping gives the casserole familiar comfort-food flavor. Freeze cooled portions before they are forgotten; reheat with a spoonful of water if needed.

9. Chili-Spiced Chicken and Spinach and Carrot Rice Casserole

Servings: 4   Prep: 20 minutes   Cook: 60 minutes

Estimated protein: about 30 grams per serving from the primary protein ingredients. See the calculation note above.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, and 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons gluten-free salt-free chili powder and 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free unsalted broth
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Set out a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This casserole uses cooked rice and, if listed, cooked lentils.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet. Cook the onion for 5 minutes, then add the garlic. For chicken or turkey, add the poultry and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up ground turkey, until it reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.
  3. Add the vegetables, seasonings, tomatoes with their juices, and broth. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cooked poultry or beans or lentils.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the cooked rice and yogurt. Spread in the baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center reaches 165°F and the edges bubble. Rest for 5 minutes, then add the finishing ingredient and divide into four generous portions.

Budget and prep tip: A small cheese topping gives the casserole familiar comfort-food flavor. Freeze cooled portions before they are forgotten; reheat with a spoonful of water if needed.

10. Ginger-Spiced Chicken and Green Bean and Carrot Rice Casserole

Servings: 4   Prep: 20 minutes   Cook: 60 minutes

Estimated protein: about 30 grams per serving from the primary protein ingredients. See the calculation note above.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 cups frozen cut green beans and 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free unsalted broth
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Set out a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This casserole uses cooked rice and, if listed, cooked lentils.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet. Cook the onion for 5 minutes, then add the garlic. For chicken or turkey, add the poultry and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up ground turkey, until it reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.
  3. Add the vegetables, seasonings, tomatoes with their juices, and broth. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cooked poultry or beans or lentils.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the cooked rice and yogurt. Spread in the baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center reaches 165°F and the edges bubble. Rest for 5 minutes, then add the finishing ingredient and divide into four generous portions.

Budget and prep tip: A small cheese topping gives the casserole familiar comfort-food flavor. Freeze cooled portions before they are forgotten; reheat with a spoonful of water if needed.

11. Garlic-Herb White Bean and Sweet Potato Rice Casserole

Servings: 4   Prep: 20 minutes   Cook: 60 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free unsalted broth
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Set out a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This casserole uses cooked rice and, if listed, cooked lentils.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet. Cook the onion for 5 minutes, then add the garlic. For chicken or turkey, add the poultry and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up ground turkey, until it reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.
  3. Add the vegetables, seasonings, tomatoes with their juices, and broth. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cooked poultry or beans or lentils.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the cooked rice and yogurt. Spread in the baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center reaches 165°F and the edges bubble. Rest for 5 minutes, then add the finishing ingredient and divide into four generous portions.

Budget and prep tip: A small cheese topping gives the casserole familiar comfort-food flavor. Freeze cooled portions before they are forgotten; reheat with a spoonful of water if needed.

12. Rosemary White Bean and Butternut Squash Rice Casserole

Servings: 4   Prep: 20 minutes   Cook: 60 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups peeled butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free unsalted broth
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Set out a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This casserole uses cooked rice and, if listed, cooked lentils.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet. Cook the onion for 5 minutes, then add the garlic. For chicken or turkey, add the poultry and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up ground turkey, until it reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.
  3. Add the vegetables, seasonings, tomatoes with their juices, and broth. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cooked poultry or beans or lentils.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the cooked rice and yogurt. Spread in the baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center reaches 165°F and the edges bubble. Rest for 5 minutes, then add the finishing ingredient and divide into four generous portions.

Budget and prep tip: A small cheese topping gives the casserole familiar comfort-food flavor. Freeze cooled portions before they are forgotten; reheat with a spoonful of water if needed.

13. Smoky White Bean and Cabbage and Carrot Rice Casserole

Servings: 4   Prep: 20 minutes   Cook: 60 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups thinly sliced cabbage and 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free unsalted broth
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Set out a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This casserole uses cooked rice and, if listed, cooked lentils.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet. Cook the onion for 5 minutes, then add the garlic. For chicken or turkey, add the poultry and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up ground turkey, until it reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.
  3. Add the vegetables, seasonings, tomatoes with their juices, and broth. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cooked poultry or beans or lentils.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the cooked rice and yogurt. Spread in the baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center reaches 165°F and the edges bubble. Rest for 5 minutes, then add the finishing ingredient and divide into four generous portions.

Budget and prep tip: A small cheese topping gives the casserole familiar comfort-food flavor. Freeze cooled portions before they are forgotten; reheat with a spoonful of water if needed.

14. Thyme White Bean and Mushroom and Carrot Rice Casserole

Servings: 4   Prep: 20 minutes   Cook: 60 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced, and 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free unsalted broth
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Set out a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This casserole uses cooked rice and, if listed, cooked lentils.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet. Cook the onion for 5 minutes, then add the garlic. For chicken or turkey, add the poultry and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up ground turkey, until it reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.
  3. Add the vegetables, seasonings, tomatoes with their juices, and broth. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cooked poultry or beans or lentils.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the cooked rice and yogurt. Spread in the baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center reaches 165°F and the edges bubble. Rest for 5 minutes, then add the finishing ingredient and divide into four generous portions.

Budget and prep tip: A small cheese topping gives the casserole familiar comfort-food flavor. Freeze cooled portions before they are forgotten; reheat with a spoonful of water if needed.

15. Curried White Bean and Pumpkin Rice Casserole

Servings: 4   Prep: 20 minutes   Cook: 60 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups plain canned pumpkin puree and 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons gluten-free salt-free curry powder
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free unsalted broth
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Set out a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This casserole uses cooked rice and, if listed, cooked lentils.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet. Cook the onion for 5 minutes, then add the garlic. For chicken or turkey, add the poultry and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up ground turkey, until it reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.
  3. Add the vegetables, seasonings, tomatoes with their juices, and broth. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cooked poultry or beans or lentils.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the cooked rice and yogurt. Spread in the baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center reaches 165°F and the edges bubble. Rest for 5 minutes, then add the finishing ingredient and divide into four generous portions.

Budget and prep tip: A small cheese topping gives the casserole familiar comfort-food flavor. Freeze cooled portions before they are forgotten; reheat with a spoonful of water if needed.

Store and reheat leftovers

Refrigerate perishable foods in shallow containers within 2 hours, or within 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below. Use cooked leftovers within 3 to 4 days or freeze them promptly. Reheat cooked meals to 165°F, stirring when possible. Keep cold dairy breakfasts and snacks refrigerated until serving. See the USDA leftovers guide.

Common questions

Can I change the vegetable when something else is on sale?

Usually. Replace one firm vegetable with a similar amount of another and cut it to the same size. Cook until tender rather than relying only on the clock. Pumpkin puree changes the sauce differently from cubed squash, so follow a pumpkin recipe when using puree.

Can I double these recipes?

Yes, if the equipment is large enough. Use two sheet pans or baking dishes rather than piling ingredients higher. For slow cookers, follow the manufacturer’s fill guidance and make a second batch if needed. Larger batches can require more time; check the center temperature and tenderness.

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