Introduction
This creamy, cheesy rice bake features roasted poblano peppers, tender rice, and a luscious cheese sauce. It’s a comforting, Tex-Mex inspired side or main dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 2–3 roasted poblano peppers, peeled, seeded, and chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, extra cheese, sliced green onions
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Roasted Poblanos: Roast over gas flame, under broiler, or on a grill for smoky flavor.
- Cheese: Blend cheddar and Monterey Jack for melty creaminess.
- Rice: Leftover rice works perfectly.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Sauté Aromatics
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Mix Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed onions and garlic, chopped poblanos, sour cream, milk, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in ¾ of the shredded cheese, reserving some for topping.
- Bake
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve
- Garnish with cilantro or green onions if desired.
- Serve hot as a side or main dish.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
💡 Tips
- For extra creaminess, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese before baking.
- Add cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier meal.
- Use a mix of white and brown rice for added texture.
🔄 Variations
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
- Vegan: Use plant-based cheese and sour cream alternatives.
- Mexican Rice Bake: Mix in black beans and corn for a complete meal.
- Taco-Inspired: Top with crushed tortilla chips and a drizzle of salsa.
