Chrissy's Vegetarian Rice Dressing

4 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 20 m Total: 35 m Intermediate
5.0/5 (2)
Chrissy's Vegetarian Rice Dressing
After seeing Yves Vegetarian Ground Round at my local grocer, I realized it would be possible to make a rice dressing that both my vegetarian girlfriend and I could enjoy. This rice dressing with mushrooms, the holy trinity, and vegetable broth tastes like the real thing. The “fake” ground round used in this is made of texturized soy—high in fiber, protein and carbs and low in fat. Of course, real lean ground beef can also be used in this recipe if you want regular rice dressing.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh mushrooms, chopped
  • 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (14 oz) can Swanson's Vegetable Broth
  • 1 package Yves Vegetarian Ground Round
  • 3 tbsp roux
  • Cayenne and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook rice according to package directions. While rice is cooking, chop the fresh vegetables (onion, bell pepper, celery, and mushrooms).
  2. Over medium heat in a Magnalite pot, sauté the onions, bell peppers and celery until the onions are slightly wilted, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and continue to sauté. Stir for about 4 minutes.
  3. Add the can of cream of mushroom soup and stir to combine. Next, pour in the vegetable broth. Stir and bring ingredients to a slight boil. Add in the roux and stir mixture until the roux is totally dissolved.
  4. Add in the vegetarian ground beef. Add cayenne and black pepper to taste. Stir and cook for about 2 more minutes until heated through.
  5. Add the rice about 1/2 cup at a time to the mixture to ensure you’ve reached your desired rice to “meat” ratio. Tip—add less rice for a “wetter” rice dressing.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my rice dressing too dry?

A: Add the rice gradually, only 1/2 cup at a time, and stop when you reach your desired consistency. You can always add more vegetable broth to loosen it up if needed.

Q: Can I use a different meat substitute?

A: Yes, any vegetarian ground "beef" or crumbles will work. You can also use finely chopped mushrooms for a completely whole-food version.

Tips and Techniques

If you don’t have prepared roux on hand, you can make a quick roux by cooking 3 tablespoons of oil with 3 tablespoons of flour over medium heat until it reaches a light brown color, about 10-15 minutes. Keep the rice dressing consistency on the wetter side—it will thicken as it sits.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Yves Vegetarian Ground Round: Beyond Beef crumbles, Impossible Burger crumbles, or finely chopped mushrooms
  • cream of mushroom soup: cream of celery soup or make your own with butter, flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms
  • vegetable broth: chicken broth (if not keeping it vegetarian) or mushroom broth

Equipment Needed

  • heavy-bottomed pot or Magnalite pot
  • knife and cutting board
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • wooden spoon for stirring

Historical Context

Rice dressing is a Louisiana staple that traditionally uses ground pork or beef along with chicken giblets. This vegetarian version proves that the magic is really in the seasoning and technique, not just the meat.