Rice Caliente
A hearty baked rice dish with savory ground beef, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and a creamy sour cream topping, perfect for comforting family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble ground beef in a lightly buttered casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the uncooked rice and chopped onions evenly over the beef.
- Combine tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, salt, and garlic powder in a saucepan.
- Heat the mixture until boiling.
- Pour the hot tomato mixture over the meat and rice in the casserole.
- Cover the casserole and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Stir in sour cream after baking.
- Sprinkle grated Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider browning the ground beef with diced bell peppers or jalapeños. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with black beans or lentils. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice; just adjust the cooking time as it may require longer to cook. For a creamier texture, mix in additional sour cream before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Rice Caliente with a fresh side salad or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with Mini Beef Tostadas or can be topped with fresh cilantro and avocado for added flavor. For a complete dinner, consider serving with a side of Mexican corn or refried beans to enhance the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Caliente contains roughly 272 calories, with 17g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value) and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1261mg per serving (55% 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 a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives, depending on your dietary preferences. Just ensure that the cooking time remains consistent, especially for leaner meats.
What can I do if I don't have beef broth?
If you don't have beef broth on hand, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Alternatively, you can use water with added seasonings like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for depth.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you're starting from cold.
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).