Baked Spanish Rice(6 Servings)
Baked Spanish Rice is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender rice with tomatoes, green peppers, and crispy bacon, topped with melted Cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, its savory taste and comforting texture make it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a 12-inch skillet, over medium heat, fry bacon until crisp; drain on paper towels.
- Crumble the bacon and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and green pepper until tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, and crumbled bacon to the bowl and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 50 minutes or until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. If you're short on time, precooked rice can be substituted for the long grain rice; just reduce the baking time. You can also swap the Cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile. This dish can also be enhanced with some fresh cilantro before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Baked Spanish Rice is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with Frijoles Ala Charra for a complete meal. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or some grilled chicken for a satisfying dinner. It also makes a great filling for Wet Burritos, turning this dish into a fun and flavorful wrap.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Spanish Rice(6 Servings) 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 dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make Baked Spanish Rice vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of water to cook the rice. You can also add additional vegetables like zucchini or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
You can use diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes based on your texture preference. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider using fire-roasted diced tomatoes for added depth of flavor. Ensure the tomatoes are well-drained for the best results.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, Baked Spanish Rice can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed or microwave until heated through.
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).