Every layer of this layered Italian mushroom rice is packed with delicious flavors, melty cheese, and wholesome vegetables. This comforting, Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
1 ½ - 2cupsspaghetti/tomato saucehomemade or store-bought
1cupcheddar cheesegrated/shredded, (more or less as desired)
1cupmozzarella cheesegrated/shredded, (more or less as desired)
Instructions
Mushroom stir-fry for the rice
Heat mushrooms in a pan to roast. In a large pan, add sliced mushrooms and cook on medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become tender (see image 2)
Once cooked the mushrooms will become tender and soften. You will notice the mushrooms softening and releasing their moisture.
Add butter, garlic and red chillies and stir to combine and cook for a minute.
Add balsamic vinegar stir and cook for another minute. Once cooked, transfer mushrooms into a bowl and set aside.
Roasted peppers and onions
Heat a teaspoon of oil into the same pan and add the onions and peppers.
Cook on medium heat for 4-5 minutes, or until roasted, stirring frequently.
Once roasted, remove from heat and set aside.
Layering the rice
In a large serving dish, start by layering the dish with a large spoon of tomato sauce at the bottom.
Sprinkle a handful of grated/shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese
Add a layer of rice – enough so you can cover the tomato sauce and cheese.
Add a layer of stir-fried mushrooms on top of the rice.
Sprinkle with more cheese.
Add another layer of rice to cover the cheesy mushrooms
Repeat again by topping with more tomato sauce and then another layer of rice (you can use a spoon to spread the sauce over the rice). Sprinkle more cheese and another layer of rice.
Add the roasted peppers and onions and spread over the rice, sprinkle a final helping of cheese and a pinch of dried oregano. Place in an oven, grill or air-fryer and grill for 2-3 minutes, to allow the cheese to melt into the layers. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Prepare ingredients in advance: it helps to keep ingredients prepared so this dish comes together easily, including the mushroom stir-fry, peppers and having your sauce and rice ready (and hot if you are using pre-boiled rice).
Add layers in this: It may seem like a lot of layers but it all comes together beautifully – the cheese, mushrooms, sauce, rice and peppers – it will be worth it in the end!
Grill for a few minutes: Grilling helps to melt the cheese into the rice, mushrooms and peppers – giving you a perfect symphony of flavours and textures!