Ohhh yes 🌮🍚 Mexican Brown Rice Bake—hearty, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors. Think of it as a one-pan fiesta that’s perfect for dinner or meal prep. Here’s a step-by-step recipe:
🌶️ Mexican Brown Rice Bake
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
Rice & Veggies
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (optional for heat)
Protein (optional)
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken, ground beef, or chorizo
Cheese & Sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce or enchilada sauce
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Toppings
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Sour cream or crema
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish lightly.
2️⃣ Sauté veggies
- In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeños until softened (~3–4 minutes).
- Stir in black beans, corn, and cooked protein if using.
3️⃣ Mix rice & sauce
- In a large bowl, combine cooked brown rice, sautéed veggies/protein, salsa, tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until evenly coated.
4️⃣ Assemble bake
- Transfer rice mixture into prepared baking dish.
- Top evenly with shredded cheese.
5️⃣ Bake
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6️⃣ Serve
- Garnish with cilantro, green onions, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve warm as a main dish or side.
Pro Tips
- Cheese hack: mix 1/2 cup cheese into rice for extra gooeyness.
- Protein swaps: shredded turkey, sausage, or even tofu works great.
- Spice level: adjust jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce to taste.
- Make ahead: assemble in advance, cover, and bake just before serving.
🔥 Variations
- 🌽 Southwest style: add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and corn
- 🥩 Beefy Mexican rice bake: ground beef, onions, and taco seasoning
- 🥬 Veggie fiesta: zucchini, mushrooms, and black beans for vegetarian
- 🧀 Cheesy enchilada twist: layer rice mixture with enchilada sauce and cheese like a casserole
I can also give a “extra cheesy, fiesta-style Mexican rice bake” version with layers of cheese and a crunchy topping that’s insanely indulgent 😏.
Do you want me to do that?
