Mexican Jalapeno Rice
A flavorful Mexican-inspired rice casserole featuring jalapenos, green chilies, and melted cheese, perfect for spicy food lovers and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onions, green pepper, and jalapeno in butter until tender.
- Add cooked rice to the sauteed vegetables and mix well.
- Stir in green chilies, sour cream, and grated cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier version, include more jalapenos or add some cayenne pepper. If you're out of Longhorn cheese, any sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack can work well as substitutes. To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic to the sautéing vegetables. This dish also works great with leftover rice from other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this flavorful Mexican Jalapeno Rice as a side dish to grilled meats or as a filling for burritos. It pairs beautifully with Enchiladas(Stacked) for a complete meal. Adding a fresh salad or some chunky salsa dip on the side can complement the dish and add freshness.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the cooled rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist, then microwave or bake until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Jalapeno Rice contains roughly 336 calories, with 8g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 518mg per serving (23% 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. Just assemble everything in the casserole dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. You can enhance it by adding more vegetables like corn or black beans, which would also contribute additional flavor and texture.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to cook, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. It may take a bit longer to heat 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).