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Comforting Salmon and Rice Casserole

This salmon and rice casserole is a comforting dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Flaky salmon, tender rice, and a velvety curry-infused white sauce come together under a golden cheddar crust, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons soft margarine such as Becel
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups 1% low-fat milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cans (7 1/2 oz each) canned salmon
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked rice leftover rice works perfectly
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese for a melty, golden topping

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Saucepan
  • Casserole dish
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish.
  2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of soft margarine. Add 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt, and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to avoid any raw flour taste.
  3. Remove the pan from heat and gradually whisk in 2 cups of 1% low-fat milk. Return the pan to medium heat and stir until the mixture thickens into a velvety white sauce.
  4. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder and 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, ensuring the flavors meld into the sauce.
  5. Gently break up the canned salmon into chunks (do not over-flake) and fold it into the sauce along with 1 1/2 cups of cooked rice.
  6. Pour the creamy mixture into your greased casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is beautifully golden.

Notes

This comforting salmon and rice casserole is incredibly versatile. You can substitute butter for margarine or even swap the salmon with canned tuna or fresh cooked salmon based on your preference. Leftover rice is a great way to simplify the recipe, and if you’d like extra creaminess, consider adding a dollop of sour cream into the sauce. Serve with a crisp green salad or a side of crusty bread to make it a complete meal.