Green Chile Rice
A creamy, flavorful green chile rice casserole featuring tender onions, smoky green chiles, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- vegetable cooking spray
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked long grain rice ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) carton nonfat sour cream ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chiles, drained
- 1/2 cup nonfat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 oz shredded reduced fat sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Coat a skillet with vegetable cooking spray and place over medium heat until hot.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until tender.
- Stir in cooked rice, sour cream, chopped green chiles, cottage cheese, salt, bay leaves, and pepper.
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese and mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into a 1-quart casserole dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic or bell peppers with the onion. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream. You can also adjust the spice level by using mild or hot green chiles based on your preference. This dish is versatile and can be used as a side for Mexican recipes or as a main dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Green Chile Rice pairs beautifully with Vegetable-Bean Burritos or can be served alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado for added freshness. It also works well as a filling in burritos or taco bowls, making it a versatile addition to your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rice in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat on medium power until warmed through, stirring occasionally, or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Chile Rice contains roughly 411 calories, with 22g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (47% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1790mg per serving (78% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance. Simply follow the steps up to filling the casserole dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it when you're ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! To increase the heat, you can add diced jalapeños to the mixture or use hotter varieties of green chiles. Additionally, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or hot sauce can enhance the spice level to your liking.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be substituted for long grain white rice. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so ensure the brown rice is fully cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will add a nuttier flavor and greater nutritional value to the dish.
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).