Baked Spanish Rice
A hearty baked Spanish rice dish with smoky bacon, tender vegetables, and cheesy topping, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, fry bacon until crisp.
- Drain bacon on paper towels and crumble; set aside.
- Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings from the skillet.
- In hot drippings, cook chopped onions and green pepper until tender.
- Drain tomatoes, reserving liquid, and add enough water to make 1 3/4 cups of liquid.
- Cut up the tomatoes.
- Add the tomato liquid, tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, and salt to the onion mixture; heat to boiling.
- Remove from heat and stir in the rice.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole.
- Cover the casserole and bake for 35 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Fluff the rice with a fork.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Garnish with cooked bacon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. To make this dish even heartier, consider incorporating black beans or Pink Lima Beans for added protein and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Baked Spanish rice is a versatile dish that pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. For a delightful brunch option, serve alongside scrambled eggs. It also complements dishes like Collards 'N Pork Chops, making it a great addition to a southern-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked Spanish rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Spanish Rice contains roughly 270 calories, with 13g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1574mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to adjust the liquid and baking time accordingly, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure the rice is tender.
What can I serve with baked Spanish rice?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. You could also serve it alongside grilled meats or use it as a base for taco toppings for a fun twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).