R.,
My family really loves Cheese, Broccoli & Rice Casserole. There are sooo many variations - Velveeta vs. Cheese Whiz, with or without mushrooms, Cream of Chicken or Cream of Celery soup instead of Cream of Mushroom, and so on. I generally just use what I have on hand. But I suggest you simply Google the recipe by title, and choose the one that "sounds like" your family. Below is a basic recipe. If you wish, you can mix it together in a bowl and then divide it into single serving casseroles and reduce the baking time to about 30 minutes. This would allow you to freeze some for later use if your father-in-law doesn't eat all of them.
I am also including two other recipes for rice casseroles that we really enjoy. One is for a Chicken and Rice casserole, but you can also just as easily add an appropriate "father-in-law" sized serving of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (whole or strips) or thighs to the Broccoli, Cheese and Rice Casserole. The dish last is really different, but delicious. It is Lebanese Rice and is done on the stove top in the time it takes to saute veggies and cook the rice. We love this alone or to accompany ANY meat - hamburger patties, steak, pork chops or polish sausages. Because of the slightly unusual spices (for a rice dish) I wouldn't leave him this dish as a main staple, unless you know something about his eating habits.
HINT: In ANY casserole that uses uncooked rice (as does the 2nd recipe below), and to which you add uncooked meat (chicken, pork chop, etc.), be sure that the rice mixture does not get "lightly" spread across the meat prior to cooking. Rice needs adequate moisture to cook. It will harden on the surface of meat if it does not have access to enough moisture to "plump" properly. The meat simply needs to lay on top of the rice mixture. I usually brush a little olive oil across the meat and am certain to cover the dish with foil for the majority of the cooking time. The foil can be removed at the end to brown the casserole for optimum appeal.
Make them all and give him some variety. Freeze the balance for your family for when you return home.
Enjoy!
K.
*************************
CHEESE, BROCCOLI AND RICE CASSEROLE
1/2 c. chopped celery
1/2 c. chopped onions
3/4 stick of butter or margarine
2 c. cooked white rice
8 oz. Cheddar or Velveeta cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 oz.) pkg. chopped broccoli, cooked
Saute the onions and celery in 3/4 stick butter. Mix all ingredients together in casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, uncovered.
*************************
(LIPTON'S) CHICKEN AND RICE CASSEROLE
1 c. long grain rice
1 can mushroom soup
1-1 1/2 cans water (use soup can)
2-3 lbs. boned chicken
1 pkg. onion soup mix (Lipton's)
Grease sides and bottom of 9 x 13 inch casserole. Pour rice evenly in pan. Add the soup concentrate and water. Mix to moisten. Arrange pieces of chicken on top of the rice. Cover. Bake at 325 degrees for 2 hours. Do not uncover before then. Remove foil and return to oven to brown, slightly.
FYI: Like the recipe above, I frequently add sauteed onions and celery to this dish, even thought the "official" recipe doesn't call for it. It can simply be done to your tastes.
*************************
LEBANESE RICE
1 medium onion
I Tbl. oil
1 3-oz. can tomato paste
3 1/2 c. chicken broth (3 1/2 c. liquid; you can use some water to reach the total amount, if the cans or boxes of broth you use do not total 3 1/2 c.)
1 1/2 c. white rice
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cardamon
Saute the onions in oil. Add the spices and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to low heat, cover and simmer until done (about 20 minutes)