Rice Rancheros
Creamy and flavorful Rice Rancheros combines rice, green chilies, and cheeses, baked to perfection—ideal for a comforting family meal or casual gathering with bold Southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion and margarine until translucent.
- Add cooked brown rice, sour cream, cottage cheese, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the onion mixture. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Layer with a portion of grated Cheddar cheese, then green chilies, and more cheese, reserving 1/3 cup of cheese for the topping.
- End with a layer of rice on top.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the casserole.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option. If you like it spicy, add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of green chilies. This dish can also be made with leftover rice for quicker preparation. To enhance the flavors, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or a serving of Guacamole Surprise(No Fat) for added creaminess. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Mexican recipes like Mexican Jalapeno Rice or a side of chunky salsa dip. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Rancheros contains roughly 1121 calories, with 44g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (115% of the Daily Value), iron (98% of the Daily Value), and protein (87% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2798mg per serving (122% 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 white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, you can substitute white rice for brown rice. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time since white rice cooks faster. If using uncooked white rice, you may need to increase the liquid in the recipe to ensure it cooks properly.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. To freeze, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then with foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed until heated through.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Ensure that the cheese and sour cream are made from vegetarian-approved ingredients. You can also add more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to enhance the nutritional value of 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).