Baked Zucchini Tomato Rice Bake
Highlighted under: Everyday Baking Collection
I absolutely love this Baked Zucchini Tomato Rice Bake for its vibrant flavors and comforting texture. Every bite is a delightful blend of fresh zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and fluffy rice, making it a perfect weeknight meal. I appreciate how easy it is to prepare, and it's a fantastic way to sneak in some vegetables without anyone noticing! This dish is great on its own or paired with a side salad, and it leaves my kitchen smelling divine while it bakes, making it a favorite in my home.
When I first made this Baked Zucchini Tomato Rice Bake, I was amazed at how simple it was to bring such vibrant flavors together. The combination of zucchini and tomatoes creates a refreshing burst, especially when they meld with the rice during baking. I've found that adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs enhances the dish and makes it even more aromatic.
One tip I discovered is to roast the zucchini and tomatoes for a few minutes before mixing them with the rice. This method intensifies their flavors and ensures they don't release too much moisture while baking. It’s become a go-to meal for my family, satisfying and wholesome every time.
Why You'll Love This Dish
- A healthy and hearty meal packed with fresh vegetables
- Warm, fulfilling comfort food that’s great for any occasion
- Versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite ingredients
Ingredients
Gather all the fresh ingredients before you start cooking!
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Make sure to season according to your taste preference!
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create a delicious bake!
Prepare the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
Combine Ingredients
Add the diced zucchinis and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, mixing occasionally. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
Mix with Rice
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the uncooked rice and vegetable broth until well mixed.
Bake
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a wholesome meal!
Enjoy your delicious Baked Zucchini Tomato Rice Bake!
Pro Tips
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Feel free to add any leftover proteins or grains to the bake to enhance its flavor and texture.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or even corn work beautifully in this dish.
→ How can I make this dish vegan?
Simply omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative, and ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly.
→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake.
→ What should I serve it with?
This bake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Baked Zucchini Tomato Rice Bake
I absolutely love this Baked Zucchini Tomato Rice Bake for its vibrant flavors and comforting texture. Every bite is a delightful blend of fresh zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and fluffy rice, making it a perfect weeknight meal. I appreciate how easy it is to prepare, and it's a fantastic way to sneak in some vegetables without anyone noticing! This dish is great on its own or paired with a side salad, and it leaves my kitchen smelling divine while it bakes, making it a favorite in my home.
Created by: Rachel Green
Recipe Type: Everyday Baking Collection
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
Add the diced zucchinis and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, mixing occasionally. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the uncooked rice and vegetable broth until well mixed.
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a wholesome meal!
Extra Tips
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Feel free to add any leftover proteins or grains to the bake to enhance its flavor and texture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 10g