One-Pan Baked Rice and Vegetables: The Ultimate Side Dish

Are you tired of juggling multiple pots and pans just to prepare a couple of side dishes? Say goodbye to that hassle with this ingenious One-Pan Baked Rice and Vegetables recipe. This dish is not just a timesaver; it’s a flavor bomb that delivers two side dishes in one pan.

Why This Dish Is a Must-Try

What sets this dish apart is its simplicity and the explosion of flavors. You get fluffy, tender rice and herb-kissed roasted veggies, all from a single pan. The first time I prepared this, it was an instant hit with my family, especially with my daughter who loved every bit of it. It’s now a regular in my weekly menu rotation.

The beauty of this recipe is in its ease. You don’t need to precook the rice; the oven does all the work for you. Just mix uncooked rice with broth, carrots, and seasoning, add some butter, and let the oven take over.

How to Make One-Pan Baked Rice and Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice, uncooked
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• For the vegetables: red onion, bell pepper, cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Seasoning mix: paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a bowl, mix the spices.
2. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine rice, broth, water, garlic, carrots, butter, and part of the seasoning mix.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
4. Toss the vegetables in olive oil and the remaining seasoning mix.
5. Remove the rice from the oven, increase the heat to 425°F, and arrange the veggies on top of the rice.
6. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Then, fluff the rice, mix with the veggies, and serve.

This One-Pan Baked Rice and Vegetables recipe is not only a convenient side dish but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, be it roasted chicken or steak. Try this recipe, and you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in many households, including mine!