Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole, a delightful dish that brings the perfect blend of tangy sour cream, spicy green chilies, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. This hearty casserole comes together quickly with the use of instant rice, making it an ideal option for busy weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Each bite is a warm embrace of comforting flavors, perfect as a stand-alone dish or a complement to grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Kick your meal up a notch and share this delicious creation with family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
1 cup (Use as-is or substitute with water.)
Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup (Cube the cheese.)
instant rice
1 cup (Use as-is.)
sour cream
2 cups (Use as-is.)
salt
1 teaspoon (Use as-is.)
chopped green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can (Drain if necessary.)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (Use as-is.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium heat.
3
Once boiling, add the instant rice, stirring well to combine. Remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for 3 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with sour cream, chopped green chilies, cubed Monterey Jack cheese, salt, and garlic powder. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5
Transfer the rice mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly.
7
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole?
It is a creamy, flavorful dish made with instant rice, sour cream, green chilies, and melted Monterey Jack cheese.
What type of rice should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for one cup of instant rice.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth or water as a substitute for chicken broth.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the rice need to sit after boiling?
After adding the instant rice to boiling broth, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for 3 minutes.
What kind of cheese works best in this casserole?
This recipe uses one cup of cubed Monterey Jack cheese for a mild, creamy melt.
How much sour cream is required?
You will need two cups of sour cream to achieve the desired creaminess.
What size of green chilies can is needed?
Use one 4-ounce can of chopped green chilies.
Should I drain the green chilies?
Yes, you should drain the chilies if necessary before adding them to the mixture.
What seasonings are added to the rice?
The casserole is seasoned with one teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A greased two-quart casserole dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and it is bubbly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is generally mild because of the green chilies and sour cream, but you can choose hotter chilies if you prefer.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I add meat to this casserole?
Yes, cooked shredded chicken or ground beef would be a great addition to make it a main meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days.
Can I use shredded cheese instead of cubed?
Yes, shredded Monterey Jack cheese will work perfectly and may even melt more evenly.
Is this dish gluten-free?
As long as the chicken broth and instant rice you use are certified gluten-free, the dish is gluten-free.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the mixture in the dish and refrigerate it, then bake it when you are ready to serve.
What should I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a side for Tex-Mex dishes.
Can I freeze Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it, though the texture of the sour cream might change slightly upon thawing.
Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, but you must fully cook the rice before mixing it with the other ingredients, as the bake time is short.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are seven main ingredients: chicken broth, Monterey Jack cheese, instant rice, sour cream, salt, green chilies, and garlic powder.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, you can replace the 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder with one clove of minced fresh garlic.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild flavors and cheesy texture usually make it a favorite for children.
How do I reheat the casserole?
Reheat portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute, though it will be slightly tangier.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The texture is creamy, soft, and hearty with pockets of melted cheese.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake it in a larger 9x13 inch pan.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, Pepper Jack or Sharp Cheddar are excellent alternatives if you want more flavor or heat.