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Mexican Rice Casserole with a Kick
This tasty rice dish comes with an added spice kick, and is simple to put together. Add cooked ground beef, ground turkey, or diced grilled chicken breast to add more protein and make it more of a main dish. Increase chili powder or add diced jalapeños to increase the spiciness, or reduce the chili to make things milder.
Rice is a great ingredient to use in Mexican recipes like this Mexican cheese and rice casserole recipe, because it is economical, an authentic Mexican food recipe ingredient and goes so nicely with the other ingredients in the dish. Mexicans enjoy rice dishes such as Spanish rice and paella, and using rice to make a casserole is great because it bulks it out and makes the dish more satisfying and hearty.
Low fat cheese can be used to reduce the calorie content, and you can cut back on the oil as well. Make sure to start this dish with uncooked rice, so that the texture will not be too soft. Your family will love this spicy Mexican rice casserole with the delicious melted cheese on top. Serve with a green salad and with chips and some mild or spicy salsa, for a full meal.
Spicy Mexican Rice Casserole
Ingredients -
3-4 tablespoons oil
¾ cup water
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
2 green bell peppers, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 twenty-eight ounce can tomatoes
1 nineteen-ounce can kidney beans, drained
¾ cup long grain rice
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
¼ teaspoon red pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Preparation:
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Lightly grease a large baking dish.
Heat oil, and water in a large skillet or a Dutch oven over medium heat, and then add mushrooms, peppers, garlic, and onion.
Simmer until onion is tender, and then add tomatoes, beans, chili, cumin, cayenne, and rice. Simmer for about twenty-five minutes, covered, until rice is tender, and liquid is absorbed.
Transfer to baking dish and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for fifteen minutes until cheese is melted.
(Serves 6)
