Embrace the flavors of fall with this Cozy Autumn Rice Bake. This comforting dish combines hearty vegetables and aromatic rice, all baked to perfection in a savory chicken broth. It's an easy, one-dish meal that's perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, but if you don't usually keep chicken broth on hand, you might need to pick some up at the supermarket. Additionally, fresh carrots, celery, and onion are essential for this dish, so make sure to grab those if they're not already in your fridge.

Ingredients For Cozy Autumn Rice Bake
Rice: The base of the dish, providing a hearty and filling component.
Chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the rice to tender perfection.
Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
Celery: Contributes a subtle crunch and earthy flavor.
Onion: Provides aromatic depth and enhances the overall taste.
Olive oil: Helps to sauté the vegetables and adds a rich, smooth texture.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and balances the flavors.
Technique Tip for This Rice Bake
To enhance the flavor of this cozy autumn rice bake, consider toasting the uncooked rice in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until it turns golden brown before mixing it with the other ingredients. This step adds a nutty depth to the rice and can elevate the overall taste of the dish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
uncooked rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a protein-rich grain that cooks similarly to rice and provides a nutty flavor.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian version and still adds depth of flavor.
diced carrots - Substitute with diced sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a similar texture and add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
diced celery - Substitute with diced fennel: Fennel has a similar crunch and a mild anise flavor that complements autumn dishes.
diced onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a milder, sweeter onion flavor that works well in baked dishes.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can reduce the need for additional salt.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor profile and is less visually noticeable in the dish.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Rice Bake
How to Store or Freeze This Rice Bake
- Allow the Cozy Autumn Rice Bake to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- Transfer the rice bake to an airtight container. If you have a large batch, consider dividing it into smaller portions for easier reheating.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. The rice bake will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, place the cooled rice bake in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date. The rice bake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the rice bake in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- For a crispy top, sprinkle a little extra olive oil or cheese on top before reheating in the oven.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the Cozy Autumn Rice Bake to an oven-safe dish if it’s not already in one.
- Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
- Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Stovetop Method:
- Place the Cozy Autumn Rice Bake in a large skillet or saucepan.
- Add a bit of olive oil or chicken broth to prevent sticking.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Cook until the rice is heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave Method:
- Transfer a portion of the Cozy Autumn Rice Bake to a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a small amount of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
- Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Check if it’s heated through; if not, continue in 1-minute increments.
Steam Method:
- Place the Cozy Autumn Rice Bake in a heatproof bowl.
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
- Cover and steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Instant Pot Method:
- Add the Cozy Autumn Rice Bake to the Instant Pot.
- Add a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water.
- Use the “Sauté” function to heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once heated through, switch to the “Keep Warm” function until ready to serve.
Best Tools for This Rice Bake
Oven: Used to bake the rice mixture at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C).
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the rice, chicken broth, vegetables, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Baking dish: Holds the rice mixture while it bakes in the oven.
Aluminum foil: Covers the baking dish to ensure the rice cooks evenly and retains moisture.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the rice, chicken broth, and diced vegetables accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Knife: Used to dice the carrots, celery, and onion.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for dicing the vegetables.
Wooden spoon: Used to mix the ingredients together in the mixing bowl.
Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing the baking dish in the oven and removing it after baking.
Timer: Ensures the rice bake is cooked for the correct amount of time, 45 minutes.
Cooling rack: Allows the baking dish to cool slightly after removing it from the oven.
How to Save Time on This Rice Bake
Prep ingredients in advance: Dice the carrots, celery, and onion the night before to save time on cooking day.
Use a rice cooker: Cook the rice in a rice cooker while you prepare the other ingredients to streamline the process.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Pre-measured broth: Use pre-measured chicken broth to avoid time spent measuring during preparation.
One-pan method: Combine all ingredients in a single baking dish to minimize cleanup time.

Cozy Autumn Rice Bake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rice, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Rice Bake
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