Best 6 Southwestern Rice Bake Recipes

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Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with this tantalizing Southwestern Rice Bake. This hearty and flavorful dish combines the bold spices of the region with tender rice, succulent chicken, and a medley of colorful vegetables. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant landscapes of the Southwest.

This irresistible rice bake is a symphony of flavors and textures. Juicy chicken is seasoned with a robust blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic, creating a savory and aromatic experience. The chicken is then nestled amidst fluffy rice, tender vegetables, and a zesty tomato sauce. Each bite offers a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and a touch of tanginess.

In addition to the main recipe, this article also includes a collection of delightful variations that will cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Craving a vegetarian option? Discover a flavorful rendition featuring hearty black beans and roasted vegetables. For those who prefer a one-pot meal, a convenient skillet version is sure to satisfy. And if you're looking for a touch of indulgence, a creamy Southwestern Rice Bake with a velvety cheese sauce will hit the spot.

With its vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and irresistible flavors, the Southwestern Rice Bake is a versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Serve it as a comforting weeknight dinner, a hearty lunch, or a central dish at your next gathering. The variations provided offer endless possibilities to customize the bake to your liking, making it a true crowd-pleaser. So, grab your apron and prepare to tantalize your senses with this Southwestern delight!

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

SOUTHWESTERN RICE



Southwestern Rice image

I created this colorful side dish after eating something similar at a restaurant. It complements any Tex-Mex meal wonderfully. Sometimes I add cubes of grilled chicken breast to the rice to make it a meal in itself. -Michelle Dennis, Clarks Hill, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium green pepper, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups frozen corn (about 10 ounces), thawed
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained

Steps:

  • In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; saute pepper and onion 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute., Stir in rice, spices and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients; cook, covered, until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 198 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 339mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

SOUTHWEST VEGGIE AND RICE CASSEROLE



Southwest Veggie and Rice Casserole image

Provided by Beth Moncel

Categories     Bean     Rice     Bake     Dinner     Casserole/Gratin

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium jalapeño, seeded and diced
1 medium bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced
1/2 tablespoon chili powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with chiles (see Chef's Tip, below)
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups Taco Rice
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
2 green onions, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Coat an 8-by-8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onions have softened. Add the jalapeño and bell peppers, zucchini, chili powder, and salt to the skillet and stir to combine. Raise the heat to medium and continue to sauté until the vegetables are soft and no liquid remains on the bottom of the skillet, about 10 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, diced tomatoes and chiles, and black beans. Add the sautéed vegetables, Taco Rice, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl and stir until evenly mixed.
  • Pour the rice and vegetable mixture into the prepared casserole dish and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the green onions over the casserole and serve.

SOUTHWESTERN VEGETABLES & RICE



Southwestern Vegetables & Rice image

Short on time? Here's a spicy, satisfying supper that comes together in minutes. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 package (12 ounces) frozen vegetarian meat crumbles, thawed
1 package (10.8 ounces) frozen southwestern corn, thawed
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
1 cup water
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup uncooked instant rice
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, combine the first 7 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Stir in rice. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 5-7 minutes or until rice is tender. Sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 502 calories, Fat 15g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 25mg cholesterol, Sodium 1629mg sodium, Carbohydrate 62g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 29g protein.

SOUTHWESTERN RICE CASSEROLE



Southwestern Rice Casserole image

Make and share this Southwestern Rice Casserole recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Kizzikate

Categories     White Rice

Time 50m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

3 cups cooked white rice
1 cup red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350.
  • In an ungreased 1 1/2 quart casserole dish, combine all ingredients. Mix well.
  • Bake 35-40 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 112.4, Fat 0.3, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 356.1, Carbohydrate 25, Fiber 1, Sugar 2, Protein 2.6

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN AND RICE CASSEROLE



Southwest Chicken and Rice Casserole image

All your favorite Southwest flavors in an easy-to-make chicken and rice casserole.

Provided by Debbie Wind Bailey

Categories     Chicken and Rice Casserole

Time 1h45m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 15

nonstick cooking spray
1 (3 pound) cooked rotisserie chicken, meat removed from bones and chopped
1 ½ cups uncooked white rice
1 (19 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (12 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
2 ¾ cups tomato sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground ancho chile pepper
½ teaspoon ground white pepper
½ cup chicken broth
1 ½ cups grated aged Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Spray a 4-quart casserole dish with nonstick spray. Add chicken, uncooked rice, black beans, and corn and stir until combined. Set aside.
  • Mix tomato sauce, 2 cups chicken broth, sour cream, chili powder, salt, cumin, ancho chile pepper, and white pepper together in a large bowl. Pour into the casserole dish and mix well; contents should be fairly soupy. Cover with foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove from the oven, uncover, and stir.
  • Add the remaining 1/2 cup chicken broth if the casserole is too dry or beginning to stick. Cover again and return to the oven until rice is soft, about 40 more minutes.
  • Remove foil, stir contents, and sprinkle with grated Cheddar cheese. Return to the oven until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 497.6 calories, Carbohydrate 42.3 g, Cholesterol 96.9 mg, Fat 21.9 g, Fiber 5.6 g, Protein 33 g, SaturatedFat 9.7 g, Sodium 1352.3 mg, Sugar 4.2 g

CHEESY SOUTHWEST CHICKEN AND RICE CASSEROLE



Cheesy Southwest Chicken and Rice Casserole image

Easy, kid-friendly, healthy, yummy chicken and rice casserole. Double the recipe to have one casserole to bake right away and one to freeze for later.

Provided by Rena

Categories     Chicken and Rice Casserole

Time 1h35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 (7 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
¼ cup olive oil, divided
salt and ground black pepper to taste
3 ½ cups water
1 (10 ounce) bag yellow rice
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
2 medium carrots, shredded
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place chicken in a small baking dish and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, turning to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Cut into strips or cubes when cool enough to handle. Leave the oven on.
  • While the chicken bakes, bring water and 2 tablespoons olive oil to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in rice. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes. Fluff lightly with fork.
  • While the rice cooks, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute onion, bell pepper, carrots, and garlic until tender, about 10 minutes.
  • Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Place rice, vegetable mixture, chicken, 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, beans, and tomatoes in a large bowl and stir until well combined. Spoon into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 409.3 calories, Carbohydrate 41 g, Cholesterol 53.3 mg, Fat 16.8 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 24.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 990.8 mg, Sugar 2.7 g

Tips:

  • To achieve the perfect texture for your Southwestern rice bake, use a combination of long-grain and short-grain rice. Long-grain rice will provide a fluffy texture, while short-grain rice will give the dish a slightly chewy texture.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of beans and vegetables in your Southwestern rice bake. Black beans, pinto beans, and corn are all great options. You can also add chopped bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
  • For a more flavorful Southwestern rice bake, use a homemade enchilada sauce or taco seasoning. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole to the top of the dish before baking.
  • If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked rice in your Southwestern rice bake. Just be sure to add a little extra liquid to the dish so that the rice doesn't dry out.
  • Southwestern rice bake is a great dish to make ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to serve, simply bake the casserole according to the recipe instructions.

Conclusion:

Southwestern rice bake is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With its combination of rice, beans, vegetables, and cheese, this casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give Southwestern rice bake a try. You won't be disappointed!

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