Zucchini Rice Casserole

Zucchini Rice Casserole Recipe

12 servings, about 1 cup each
Active Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

Ingredients

* 1 1/2 cups long-grain brown rice
* 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
* 4 cups diced zucchini , and/or summer squash (about 1 pound)
* 2 red or green bell peppers, chopped
* 1 large onion, diced
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 1/2 cups low-fat milk
* 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese, divided
* 1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) corn kernels
* 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 8 ounces vegetarian sausage, crumbled
* 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Pour rice into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bring broth to a simmer in a small saucepan. Stir hot broth into the rice along with zucchini (and/or squash), bell peppers, onion and salt. Cover with foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 35 to 45 minutes more.
3. Meanwhile, whisk milk and flour in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until bubbling and thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add 1 1/2 cups Jack cheese and corn and cook, stirring, until the cheese is melted. Set aside.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add sausage. Cook, stirring and breaking the sausage into small pieces with a spoon, until lightly browned and no longer pink, about 4 minutes. (If using vegetarian sausage, just microwave 2 minutes til crumbly.)
5. When the rice is done, stir in the sausage and cheese sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Jack cheese on top and dollop cream cheese by the teaspoonful over the casserole. Top with jalapeños.
6. Return the casserole to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Let stand for about 10 minutes before serving.

* Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 5; cool, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. To finish, bake at 375°F until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted, about 45 minutes.