Mexican Green Rice
A creamy, cheesy green rice casserole with smoky peppers and rich flavors, perfect for comfort meals or gatherings, appealing to fans of flavorful, hearty dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute all vegetables in butter until tender.
- Place the sautéed vegetables in a blender and blend until smooth, then add sour cream and blend again.
- Layer the rice mixture and grated cheeses in a baking dish, starting with a layer of rice and ending with cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers as needed, ending with a cheese layer.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F until the cheese melts and the dish is hot throughout, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider substituting some of the sour cream with Greek yogurt. If you want to add a bit of spice, jalapeños can be blended with the other peppers. To save time, use pre-cooked rice or store-bought roasted peppers. This dish can also be easily customized by adding beans or corn for a heartier meal, similar to a Black Bean And Rice Bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mexican Green Rice as a main dish or as a side to grilled meats, such as Fajitas(Chicken) or alongside a fresh salad for a lighter meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of guacamole or salsa for added flavor. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, and can easily be doubled for larger crowds.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Green Rice contains roughly 795 calories, with 19g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (182% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 917mg per serving (40% 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 dish a day in advance. Simply layer the ingredients in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?
If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, you can substitute it with Cheddar for a sharper flavor, or use Pepper Jack for added spice. Both options will melt well and complement the dish nicely. For a lighter option, try using part-skim mozzarella.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this Mexican Green Rice recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products. It's packed with vegetables and cheese, making it a great choice for vegetarian recipes. You can also enhance the dish by adding beans or vegetables to increase its nutritional value.
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).