Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Baked Mexican Sour Cream Rice! Imagine a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that combines the comfort of rice with the bold zest of Mexican cuisine. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping side dish or a satisfying main course, this recipe promises to deliver a fiesta of flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the rice is evenly coated.
- Drain and rinse the black beans, then gently fold them into the rice mixture, ensuring they are distributed evenly throughout.
- Transfer the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the rice, covering the surface completely.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the ingredients to set.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving, adding a fresh and vibrant touch to the dish.
- Serve hot as a side dish or a main course, accompanied by additional salsa or sour cream if desired.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Use day-old rice or freshly cooked rice that has been cooled to prevent mushiness. Slightly firm rice works best for this recipe.
- Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, Mexican blend, or sharp cheddar to customize the flavor profile.
- Salsa Hack: Choose a salsa that matches your spice preference - mild for kids, medium for balanced flavor, or hot for spice lovers.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to add protein like shredded chicken or ground beef to make it a complete meal.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro, additional green onions, or a dollop of sour cream can elevate the dish's presentation and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
