Tex-Mex Rice Bake
Tex-Mex Rice Bake Recipe with Cheese, Green Chilis, and Sour Cream
Introduction
Tex-Mex Rice Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of Mexican cuisine with the heartiness of rice and cheese. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering with friends and family.
History
Tex-Mex Rice Bake is a popular dish in the southwestern United States, where Tex-Mex cuisine is a fusion of Mexican and American flavors. This dish typically includes ingredients such as rice, cheese, chilies, and sour cream, all of which are common in Tex-Mex cooking.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of cooked rice
- 2 cups of shredded Mexican-style cheese, divided
- 1 (4 oz) can of chopped green chilis
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 0.33 cup of sliced green onions
- 0.5 tsp of salt
- 0.25 tsp of ground white pepper
- vegetable cooking spray
How to prepare
- In a large bowl, combine rice, 1 cup of cheese, chilies, sour cream, onions, salt, and pepper; stir until blended.
- Coat an 8x8 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the rice mixture into the baking dish; top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 15 minutes; remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Variations
- Add cooked chicken, ground beef, or black beans for extra protein.
- Top with sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, and cilantro for a fresh and colorful garnish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the rice according to package instructions before adding it to the other ingredients.
- You can customize this dish by adding cooked chicken, ground beef, or black beans for extra protein.
- For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeno pepper to the rice mixture.
- Serve with a side of salsa, guacamole, and tortilla chips for a complete Tex-Mex meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tex-Mex Rice Bake with a side of salsa, guacamole, and tortilla chips for a complete Tex-Mex meal.
Cooking Techniques
Baking
Ingredient Substitutions
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version of this dish.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the rice mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to add the cheese topping right before baking.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish Tex-Mex Rice Bake with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve Tex-Mex Rice Bake with a side of Mexican street corn and a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Tex-Mex Rice Bake contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Tex-Mex Rice Bake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Tex-Mex Rice Bake contains approximately 15 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Tex-Mex Rice Bake contains approximately 10 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Tex-Mex Rice Bake is a good source of calcium, vitamin C, and iron.
Alergens
Tex-Mex Rice Bake contains dairy (cheese and sour cream) and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Summary
Tex-Mex Rice Bake is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of calcium and vitamin C.
Summary
Tex-Mex Rice Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. With a mix of rice, cheese, chilies, and sour cream, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a hot summer day in Texas, and I was visiting my sister-in-law Martha in San Antonio. Martha was known for her delicious Tex-Mex cooking, and I always looked forward to trying out her new recipes.
On this particular day, Martha had invited me over for lunch and told me she had a special dish she wanted me to try. As we sat down at the table, she brought out a steaming casserole dish filled with a tantalizing aroma. It was her Tex-Mex Rice Bake, and I couldn't wait to dig in.
The first bite was pure heaven. The flavors of the spicy sausage, tender rice, and gooey cheese all melded together perfectly. I asked Martha for the recipe, and she was more than happy to share it with me.
As she walked me through the steps of making the dish, I was struck by how simple it was. Just a few basic ingredients combined in a casserole dish and baked to perfection. I made a mental note to add this recipe to my collection.
When I returned home, I couldn't wait to make the Tex-Mex Rice Bake for my own family. They were just as impressed with the dish as I had been. My children gobbled it up, begging for seconds, and my husband declared it one of his new favorite meals.
From that day on, the Tex-Mex Rice Bake became a staple in our household. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a cozy weeknight dinner. It never failed to impress, and I quickly became known for my own version of the dish.
Over the years, I added my own personal touches to the recipe, tweaking it to suit my family's tastes. I experimented with different types of sausage, tried out various seasonings, and even threw in some extra veggies for good measure. Each time I made it, I felt a sense of pride in knowing that this recipe had become a part of my culinary repertoire.
As the years went by, I continued to share the Tex-Mex Rice Bake with friends and neighbors. It became a dish that was requested at every potluck and party, and I was always happy to oblige. I loved seeing the smiles on people's faces as they took their first bite, just as I had all those years ago in Martha's kitchen.
As I grew older, I realized that the Tex-Mex Rice Bake had become more than just a recipe to me. It was a symbol of the friendships I had forged, the memories I had made, and the joy I had brought to others through my cooking. It was a reminder of the simple pleasures in life, the comfort of a home-cooked meal, and the love that went into every dish I made.
Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of my cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for the Tex-Mex Rice Bake and all it has brought into my life. It may just be a casserole dish, but to me, it represents so much more. It's a reminder of the joy of discovery, the warmth of friendship, and the love that goes into every bite of food we share.
And so, I continue to make the Tex-Mex Rice Bake for my family and friends, passing on the recipe and the memories that come with it. Because in the end, it's not just about the food we eat, but the stories we share and the connections we make along the way. And for that, I am truly grateful.
Categories
| Cheese Recipes | Chile Pepper Recipes | Mexican Recipes | Rice Recipes | Side Dish Rice Recipes |