Mexican Rice Casserole

Feel the fiesta vibes with our soulful dish from southern borders – Mexican Rice Casserole. It’s a comforting medley of fluffy rice, hearty beans, vibrant bell peppers, and cream-rich chicken topped with melt-in-the-mouth cheese dress. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for those countless potluck dinners, family gatherings or lazy weekends, sure to warm bellies and hearts alike. With its lush, complex flavors, this casserole leaves a flavorful dance of garlic, cumin, and fiery jalape��os on your palate. You’ll be cruising down to food heaven with every bite.

This cassie is the ultimate comfort food that captures the spirit of Mexican cuisine. Yet, it’s as homely as it gets. The process involves easy saut��ing and baking that infuses an intriguing flavor into every grain of rice. It’s a homestyle delight that brings the family together. A when-you’re-feeling-Mexican kind of dish you’ll fall in love with.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6 people
• Yield: 1 Casserole

Alright amigos, let’s dive into the delicious details, shall we?

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 2 cups long grain white rice
• 1 cup canned black beans
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeno, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

You’ll also need a robust casserole dish to bring together all this sauciness.

The trick up this dish’s sleeve is the blend of cumin and garlic that lends an irresistible aroma, while the bell pepper and jalapeno provide that all-important punch. Feel free to sub out the black beans for pinto beans if you’ve got those lying around.

How To Make Mexican Rice Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375��F (190��C). In your casserole dish, combine the rice, beans, peppers, jalapeno, and garlic.
2. Add in the shredded chicken, spices, and season well with salt and pepper. Toss everything together to combine.
3. Top with a generous amount of cheese, and bake in your preheated oven for 40 minutes.
4. Check that the rice is cooked through, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. If not, give it a few more minutes.
5. Once it’s cooked to your liking, remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Tips For The Best Results

• Soak the rice for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure fluffy grains every time.
• Don���t skimp on the cheese! It���s what gives this dish its beautiful golden crust and a hefty dose of flavor.

Storage Tips

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure the casserole is completely cool before storing.
• This dish also freezes well. Simply place in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

A: Yes, you can. Just keep in mind that brown rice usually takes a bit longer to cook.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?

A: Absolutely! Just replace the chicken with more veggies or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Q: Can I freeze this Mexican Rice Casserole?

A: Yes, it freezes really well. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container.

Q: Can I use other types of cheese?

A: Yes, feel free to experiment with other kinds of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella.

Q: What can I serve this casserole with?

A: Mexican Rice Casserole is great with a side of sour cream, guacamole or pico de gallo.

Nutritional Facts of Mexican Rice Casserole

Per serving:

• Calories: 400cal
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 45g

No joking amigos, this Mexican Rice Casserole is a super tasty winner of a dish that’s hearty, comforting and absolutely fingers-licking good! As a bonus, it pairs well with virtually any side – salad, bread, or chips… dig in, chow down and enjoy a little piece of Mexico from the comfort of your own kitchen!