Spicy Monterey Rice
A creamy, spicy rice casserole with green chilies and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks with bold flavors and a cheesy kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, rice, and bouillon; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender.
- In a large bowl, combine sour cream, 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby cheese, chopped green chilies, chopped red pepper, and pepper; mix well.
- Turn the mixture into a buttered 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or garlic to the sour cream mixture. You can substitute the Colby cheese with Monterey Jack or cheddar if desired. For a spicier kick, include jalapeños or more chopped green chilies. Ensure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier grains.
Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Monterey Rice makes a fantastic side for grilled meats or as a hearty vegetarian main dish. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or with a scoop of Black-Eyed Pea And Sausage Soup for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Monterey Rice contains roughly 158 calories, with 5g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (160% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 brown rice instead of long grain rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so you might want to simmer it longer before adding to the sour cream mixture.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rice and the sour cream mixture a day ahead. Just combine them before baking, and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if coming straight from the fridge.
What other cheeses can I use in this recipe?
Besides Colby cheese, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile. Each cheese will provide a unique taste and texture, so choose according to your preference.
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).