Introduction
This Mexican Brown Rice Bake is a comforting, flavorful, and gluten-free dish that combines hearty brown rice with vibrant vegetables and savory spices.
It’s the perfect option for a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you’re following a gluten-free diet or simply craving a delicious homemade casserole.
Ingredients
1 cup brown rice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Next, cook the brown rice according to package instructions. While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Add the chopped red and green bell peppers to the skillet, continuing to cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Let this mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Once the rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the vegetable and bean mixture. Stir everything together until evenly combined, ensuring that the rice is coated in the spices and vegetables.
Transfer the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the rice mixture, covering it well.
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
How to Make
To make this dish, the first step is to cook the brown rice. Brown rice takes a little longer to cook than white rice, so plan accordingly.
Once the rice is ready, set it aside while you prepare the vegetable mixture.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet and sauté onions and garlic until soft and aromatic. Adding the bell peppers and letting them cook for a few minutes helps build the foundation of flavor.
Once the vegetables are tender, you can add the black beans and diced tomatoes to create a robust filling mixture.
The spices—chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika—add the signature Mexican flair, making this dish exciting to the taste buds.
Once combined, the rice is added to the skillet with the vegetables and beans. Stir the ingredients together so that the rice absorbs the flavors, creating a cohesive base for the bake.
Next, transfer the rice mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, creating a golden.
crust as it bakes in the oven. The cheese adds both flavor and a delightful texture to the dish.
Baking is a simple step, allowing all the ingredients to meld together and for the cheese to melt perfectly.
Once out of the oven, finish with fresh cilantro to add brightness and color. The result is a comforting, cheesy, and nutritious casserole.
For an added touch, you can serve this bake with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
Tips
If you want to make the dish spicier, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the vegetables. This will give the dish an extra kick.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Vegan cheese melts similarly and still adds that creamy texture to the bake.
If you have leftover cooked rice, this recipe is a great way to use it up. Just toss the pre-cooked rice into the vegetable mixture and follow the remaining steps.
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or even spinach. These additions can enhance the dish’s nutritional value while adding different textures and flavors.
For a heartier dish, consider adding ground turkey or chicken to the vegetable and bean mixture. This will turn the recipe into a meat-filled casserole.
If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work fine, though it won’t give the dish the same smoky depth of flavor.
Lastly, this recipe can be made in advance. Assemble the dish and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if cooking from cold.
Conclusion
This Mexican Brown Rice Bake is a perfect gluten-free meal that combines fresh vegetables, flavorful spices, and a cheesy topping to create a satisfying dish.
Whether served as a side or the main course, it offers a healthy and delicious option for everyone to enjoy.
Its versatility and rich flavors make it an ideal addition to any dinner table, and with a few simple tips.
you can easily customize it to fit your taste. Enjoy this flavorful dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family.