Fiesta Rice

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Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
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A vibrant, one-pot side dish loaded with peppers, olives, and melted cheddar cheese.
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Fiesta Rice

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 467.6

Description

This hearty Fiesta Rice is a comforting American-style casserole that brings bold, festive flavors to the dinner table. Combining fluffy long-grain rice with sautéed onions, green peppers, and pitted olives, it is seasoned with chili powder and oregano for a warm, savory depth. The dish is baked slowly in its own juices and tomato liquid, allowing the rice to absorb the rich spices. Topped with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese, it finishes with a gooey, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender rice underneath. Perfect as a reliable side for tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats, this vegetarian-friendly recipe is easy to prepare and scales well for family gatherings or potlucks. It offers a satisfying texture and robust taste that disappears quickly from the serving platter.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion until tender and translucent.
  3. Transfer the sautéed onion mixture to a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add the green pepper, uncooked rice, salt, chili powder, oregano, pepper, and drained olives to the bowl. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Pour in the water and the canned tomatoes with their liquid. Mix thoroughly.
  6. Divide the mixture evenly between two ungreased 13x9-inch baking pans.
  7. Cover the pans tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  8. Uncover the pans and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the rice.
  9. Return to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  10. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 467.6kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 13.0g20%
Saturated Fat 7.9g40%
Cholesterol 32.2mg11%
Sodium 103.7mg5%
Total Carbohydrate 78.4g27%
Dietary Fiber 3.0g12%
Sugars 5.1g
Protein 7.9g16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Variations: For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add black beans or corn for extra texture and protein.

Ingredient Tip: If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute some of the water with chicken or vegetable broth.

Cooking Advice: Ensure the pans are covered tightly during the initial baking phase to prevent the rice from drying out.

Keywords: fiesta rice, rice casserole, mexican rice, cheddar cheese, green peppers, olives, chili powder, oregano, vegetarian, side dish, baked rice, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipe, one pot, savory, cheesy, long grain rice, tomato sauce, onion, butter
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