Rice Green Chilies Cheese Bake
A cheesy, flavorful baked rice dish featuring green chilies, zucchini, and fresh herbs, perfect for a hearty vegetarian meal or a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thinly slice zucchini and tomato.
- Chop chilies, green onion, and green pepper.
- Grate the Monterey Jack cheese.
- Cook the rice until tender.
- Cook zucchini in a small amount of water until crisp-tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of different cheeses such as pepper jack for a spicy kick. If you don't have zucchini, yellow squash can be a great substitute. To save time, use pre-cooked rice or leftover rice from another meal. Remember to adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid mushiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Rice Green Chilies Cheese Bake with a side of fresh salad or tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. It pairs beautifully with Southwestern Rice Salad for a complete meal. You can also garnish with additional chopped parsley or green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor.
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 occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot, which helps maintain the texture of the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Green Chilies Cheese Bake contains roughly 572 calories, with 20g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (79% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1617mg per serving (70% 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 Rice Green Chilies Cheese Bake in advance. Assemble the ingredients and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This dish is naturally vegetarian, featuring wholesome ingredients like rice, vegetables, and cheese. It's perfect for anyone looking for a hearty vegetarian meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
What can I serve with this dish?
This bake is versatile; you can serve it alongside a simple green salad or some spicy black beans for a well-rounded meal. For a fun twist, pair with Cheesy Chalupas or even Walking Taco Dip for a complete fiesta!
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).