Mexican Rice Casserole

Mexican Rice Casserole with Beef, Bacon and Cheddar

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mexican Rice Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of ground beef, rice, cheese, and spices. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, as it is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

History

The origins of Mexican Rice Casserole are not clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine. The combination of rice, ground beef, and cheese is a classic in Mexican cooking, and this casserole puts a unique twist on those flavors.

Ingredients

4 slices of bacon
0.5 cup of chopped green pepper
0.5 cup of chopped onion
1 cup of uncooked rice
1 lb (454 g) of lean ground beef
1 small clove of garlic, crushed
1.75 cup of water
1 8 oz (227 g) can of tomato sauce
0.75 cup of raisins
1 tsp of salt
1 tbsp of chili powder
2.5 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over low heat until crisp. Remove from the pan and drain on absorbent paper.
Add the green pepper and onion to the skillet and cook until tender. Add the rice and continue cooking until golden. Stir in the ground beef and garlic; cook until the meat is no longer pink. Add water, tomato sauce, raisins, salt, and chili powder; heat to boiling. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Spoon half of the mixture into a greased 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole. Sprinkle with half of the cheese and half of the crumbled bacon. Add the remaining meat mixture and top with the remaining cheese and bacon. Bake at 450°F (232°C) for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables such as corn, black beans, or bell peppers.
You can also add different types of cheese to the casserole, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon until crisp to add a crunchy texture to the casserole.

- Make sure to drain any excess grease from the ground beef before adding it to the skillet.

- Feel free to customize the spices in this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add more chili powder for a spicier dish or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Mexican Rice Casserole can be served with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Mexican Rice Casserole is to cook the ingredients slowly and allow the flavors to meld together. Be sure to simmer the meat mixture for at least 20 minutes to ensure that the rice is fully cooked and the flavors are well-developed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have bacon on hand, you can use diced ham or cooked sausage as a substitute. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version of this casserole.

Make Ahead Tips

Mexican Rice Casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

To make this casserole more visually appealing, you can sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top before serving. You can also garnish with a dollop of sour cream or a slice of avocado for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Mexican Rice Casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as Mexican street corn, refried beans, or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, serve with tortilla chips and salsa on the side.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Mexican Rice Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mexican Rice Casserole contains approximately 450 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mexican Rice Casserole contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mexican Rice Casserole contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mexican Rice Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mexican Rice Casserole is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (from the rice), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Mexican Rice Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for a family dinner.

Summary

Mexican Rice Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. With its combination of ground beef, rice, cheese, and spices, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, much like today, when I stumbled upon a small quaint Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of a bustling city. The aroma of sizzling spices and freshly cooked tortillas wafted through the air, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

As I settled into a cozy corner booth, I was greeted by a friendly elderly woman who introduced herself as Maria, the owner and head chef of the restaurant. She had a warm smile and twinkling eyes that immediately put me at ease. We struck up a conversation about food and cooking, and before long, Maria invited me into her bustling kitchen to watch her work her culinary magic.

I watched in awe as Maria effortlessly whipped up dish after dish, each one more delicious than the last. But it was the Mexican Rice Casserole that truly captured my heart. The rich aroma of cumin and paprika filled the kitchen as Maria expertly sautéed onions and garlic before adding in the perfect blend of rice, tomatoes, and spices. The dish was then topped with a generous sprinkle of cheese and baked until golden and bubbly.

I begged Maria to share her recipe with me, and after much persuasion, she finally relented. She handed me a weathered index card with scribbled notes and a smudge of tomato sauce, a treasure trove of culinary secrets passed down through generations.

I thanked Maria profusely and promised to cherish her recipe forever. As I left the restaurant that day, I knew that I had stumbled upon a culinary gem that would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

Back at home, I gathered the ingredients for Maria's Mexican Rice Casserole and set to work recreating the magic I had witnessed in her kitchen. The familiar smells of cumin and paprika filled the air, transporting me back to that sunny afternoon in Maria's restaurant.

As the casserole baked in the oven, I eagerly anticipated the moment when I would take my first bite. When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the dish out of the oven and marveled at its golden perfection. The cheese was melted and gooey, the rice fluffy and flavorful, just like Maria's.

I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family. As we gathered around the table that evening, I served up generous portions of the Mexican Rice Casserole, a dish that had quickly become a favorite in our household.

As we dug into the dish, the flavors exploded in our mouths, each bite a symphony of spices and textures. My family oohed and aahed, showering me with compliments and praise. I smiled proudly, knowing that I had found a recipe that would bring joy and comfort to my loved ones for years to come.

Since that fateful day in Maria's restaurant, I have made her Mexican Rice Casserole countless times, each batch as delicious and satisfying as the last. The recipe has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

And as I sit here now, penning this story for future generations to read, I can't help but feel grateful for the chance encounter that led me to Maria and her exquisite recipe. It just goes to show that sometimes the best things in life come when we least expect them, like a simple index card passed from one cook to another, carrying with it the magic of a beloved dish.