Mexican Brown Rice Bake is a hearty, flavorful, and healthy casserole dish packed with brown rice, beans, vegetables, and cheese, all baked together with zesty Mexican seasonings. It’s a perfect one-dish meal for a family dinner or meal prep. Here’s a simple recipe you can try:
Mexican Brown Rice Bake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice:
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add 1 cup brown rice, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
2. Sauté the vegetables:
- While the rice is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and mix until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or similar size casserole dish. Spread it into an even layer.
4. Bake the casserole:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese evenly over the top of the rice mixture.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.
- If you prefer a slightly crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
5. Serve:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for squeezing on top.
Tips:
- Protein option: Add cooked chicken, ground beef, or ground turkey for a meatier dish.
- Spicy option: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a spicier flavor.
- Vegetarian version: This dish is already vegetarian, but you can make it vegan by using dairy-free cheese or omitting the cheese entirely.
- Make-ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it great for meal prep.
This Mexican Brown Rice Bake is packed with flavor, fiber, and protein, making it a delicious, nutritious meal. It’s customizable and easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun Mexican-inspired dinner! Enjoy!