Savory Spanish Rice Casserole
This delectable Savory Spanish Rice Casserole is a hearty meatless dish that's bursting with flavor and can easily be customized to suit your taste. Perfect for family dinners, this versatile bake incorporates wholesome ingredients like long-grain rice, vibrant vegetables, and zesty spices, all brought together with melted cheese on top. Serve it warm with a dollop of sour cream, fresh chopped avocado, or creamy guacamole to elevate the dish even further. If you prefer a meaty variant, feel free to add ground beef, diced pepperoni, crumbled bacon, or cooked sausage. This dish pairs beautifully as a side for grilled chicken, steak fajitas, or tacos, making it a flexible addition to your meal rotation. Inspired by a cherished cookbooklet dedicated to casseroles and slow cooker recipes, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (none)
long grain rice
1 cup (uncooked)
onion
1 medium (chopped (about 1/2 cup))
green bell pepper
1 small (chopped (about 1/2 cup))
frozen whole kernel corn
1 cup (thawed)
tomato soup
10 1/4 ounces (none)
boiling water
2 1/2 cups (none)
cilantro
1 tablespoon (fresh, chopped (optional))
chili powder
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
colby-monterey jack cheese
2 cups (shredded (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, add the vegetable oil and let it warm for a minute.
3
Add the uncooked long-grain rice, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper to the skillet. Cook while stirring frequently until the rice is light brown and the onion becomes tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Stir in the thawed corn and mix well. Remove the skillet from the heat.
5
In the prepared casserole dish, combine the tomato soup, boiling water, cilantro (if using), chili powder, and salt. Stir to combine evenly.
6
Gently fold in the rice and vegetable mixture until everything is well blended. Layer the shredded cheese on top, reserving some for later.
7
Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
8
After 20 minutes, carefully stir the casserole, re-cover, and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes or until the rice is tender.
9
Remove the lid and sprinkle the reserved cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 2-3 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite toppings!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spanish Rice Casserole?
It is a hearty meatless bake made with long-grain rice, vibrant vegetables, and zesty spices, topped with melted cheese.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
What size casserole dish is required?
A 2 1/2-quart casserole dish is needed for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly coat the casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent the rice from sticking.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice.
How do I prepare the rice before baking?
Cook the uncooked rice in a skillet with oil, chopped onion, and bell pepper for 5-7 minutes until the rice is light brown.
Which vegetables are included in the casserole?
The dish includes chopped onion, green bell pepper, and thawed frozen whole kernel corn.
Do I need to thaw the corn?
Yes, the 1 cup of frozen corn should be thawed before being stirred into the skillet.
What serves as the liquid base for the rice?
The liquid base consists of 10 1/4 ounces of tomato soup and 2 1/2 cups of boiling water.
Can I add meat to this Spanish rice casserole?
Yes, you can easily customize it by adding ground beef, diced pepperoni, crumbled bacon, or cooked sausage.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The casserole is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is cilantro a required ingredient?
No, the 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped cilantro is optional.
What type of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe suggests using 2 cups of shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese.
How long does the casserole bake in the oven?
The total baking time is approximately 52-53 minutes: 20 minutes covered, then 30 minutes covered after stirring, and 2-3 minutes uncovered.
Why do I need to cover the casserole with foil or a lid?
Covering the dish traps steam, which is necessary to properly cook the uncooked rice until it is tender.
When should I add the cheese?
Most of the cheese is layered on before the first bake, and the reserved portion is added during the final 2-3 minutes of baking.
What are the best toppings to serve with this dish?
It is delicious with a dollop of sour cream, fresh chopped avocado, or creamy guacamole.
What main dishes pair well with Savory Spanish Rice Casserole?
This casserole pairs beautifully as a side for grilled chicken, steak fajitas, or tacos.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as written, this is a hearty meatless dish suitable for a vegetarian diet.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including the optional cilantro and cheese.
Can I use a different type of bell pepper?
While the recipe calls for a green bell pepper, you can use red, orange, or yellow peppers if you prefer.
What should I do if the rice is still hard after the suggested time?
Continue baking the covered dish in 5-minute increments until the rice has absorbed the liquid and reached the desired tenderness.
What inspired this recipe?
It was inspired by a cherished cookbooklet dedicated specifically to casseroles and slow cooker recipes.
How much chopped onion is needed?
You will need approximately 1/2 cup of chopped onion, which is about one medium-sized onion.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh corn kernels can be substituted for frozen corn in equal amounts.
Is this a spicy dish?
The dish is described as 'zesty' due to the chili powder, but it is generally savory rather than high-heat spicy.
Should I stir the casserole during the baking process?
Yes, you should carefully stir the casserole after the first 20 minutes of baking before returning it to the oven.
How do I know when the dish is finished?
The dish is ready when the rice is tender and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Can this be prepared in a skillet only?
The initial browning is done in a skillet, but the rice must be baked in a casserole dish to ensure it cooks through properly.
Should the dish be served immediately?
It is best to allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld and the texture set.