Chili-Cheesy Rice
A creamy, cheesy rice casserole with green chilies and onions, perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering bold flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in melted margarine until tender.
- Remove from heat.
- Add cream style cottage cheese, salt, and pepper to the onion mixture.
- Stir in cooked rice, drained and chopped green chilies, and sour cream.
- Spoon half the rice mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole.
- Top with half of the shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Repeat with remaining rice mixture and cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute reduced-fat sour cream and cottage cheese. You can also use brown rice for added nutrition. Make sure to drain the green chilies well to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You could also serve it alongside a bowl of chili or a side of cornbread to enhance the flavors. Consider offering a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chili-Cheesy Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or cover the casserole dish with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed up, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili-Cheesy Rice contains roughly 964 calories, with 23g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2376mg per serving (103% 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 use brown rice instead of regular rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used as a healthier alternative to regular rice. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole, as it takes longer to cook than white rice.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Chili-Cheesy Rice freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat.
What can I substitute for Cheddar cheese?
If you want to switch up the cheese, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack would work great for a different flavor profile. For a lower-fat option, consider using a reduced-fat cheese or a dairy-free alternative that melts well.
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).