Tomato and Rice Casserole

Tomato and Rice Casserole is a comforting, one-pot baked dish originating from American home cooking, where rice is simmered in a flavorful tomato base with onions, garlic, and herbs. It often includes ground beef or sausage for heartiness, and is topped with melted cheese for a golden, bubbly finish. The dish is a staple of family-style meals, celebrated for its simplicity and satisfying, savory flavor.

🍳 View the full Tomato and Rice Casserole recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This casserole is primarily a carbohydrate-rich dish from the rice, with moderate protein if meat is included, and can be higher in fat depending on cheese and meat choices. It provides key nutrients like lycopene from tomatoes, B vitamins from the grains, and calcium from the cheese, with a typical serving ranging from 350 to 500 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	220 kcal
Protein	5 g
Carbs	42 g
Fat	3.5 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	480 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Vitamin C	15 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Calcium	45 mg
Vitamin A	800 IU
Vitamin B6	0.2 mg
Magnesium	30 mg
Phosphorus	80 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, this casserole represents the resourceful 'comfort food' tradition of American households, often adapted with whatever ingredients are on hand. Nutritionally, the cooked tomatoes in the dish enhance the bioavailability of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, making it a uniquely flavorful way to incorporate this beneficial compound.