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One Pot Rice Casserole With Pumpkin

One Pot Rice Casserole With Pumpkin

The ultimate comfort food, this One Pot Rice Casserole With Pumpkin combines nutritious ingredients for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner. Filled with flavorful spices, creamy textures, and seasonal flavors, it’s a dish that brings everyone together.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 425
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onion diced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 1 pound 90% lean ground chicken
  • 2 1/2 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 cup long-grain brown rice uncooked
  • 3/4 cup canned pumpkin purée
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pepper to taste
  • 4 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped, packed
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Cutting Board
  • Saucepan
  • Grater
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Chef's Knife
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. You’ll want to make sure the oil shimmers before adding any ingredients. This will help them sauté beautifully.
  2. Add the onion and garlic. Sauté until they are fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, which takes about 1 minute. The aroma will be irresistible!
  3. Next, add the ground chicken. Cook just until browned, stirring occasionally for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want to see the chicken change color and lose its pink hue.
  4. Now, it’s time to bring in the liquids and grains. Add the vegetable broth, brown rice, pumpkin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined, making sure the rice is submerged in the liquid.
  5. Turn the heat up to high and bring the mixture to a boil. This step is crucial to ensure the rice cooks evenly. You should see some bubbling action!
  6. Allow it to boil for 1 minute, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, which will take about 1 hour. Be patient as the flavors develop and the rice cooks!
  7. Once the rice is tender, stir in the chopped spinach. Cover the pot again and cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 to 3 minutes. The spinach will add a fresh flavor and nice color to the casserole.
  8. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the pot one last time and cook until the cheese melts, about 2 to 3 minutes. You want that cheesy goodness to blend in.
  9. Finally, serve the casserole immediately while it’s hot and delicious. Each bite will be a comforting hug!

Notes

Cooking this One Pot Rice Casserole With Pumpkin is a joy, and I’ve got some tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.