Mexican Brown Rice Bake A Wholesome Fiesta of Flavors

Mexican Brown Rice Bake: A Wholesome Fiesta of Flavors

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Mexican Brown Rice Bake is a hearty, nutritious dish that combines the richness of brown rice with bold Mexican flavors. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this bake is easy to prepare, customizable, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Its blend of beans, vegetables, spices, and cheese delivers a comforting yet vibrant meal. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy healthy eating without compromising on taste.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of uncooked brown rice
  • 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 cup of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup of diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rice:
    Rinse the brown rice under cold water to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables:
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add Bell Peppers and Corn:
    Toss in the red and green bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the corn kernels and mix well, allowing the flavors to blend.
  4. Incorporate Beans and Tomatoes:
    Stir in the black beans and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle the mixture with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse into the vegetables.
  5. Combine with Cooked Rice:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice with the vegetable and bean mixture. Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
  6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
    Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil. Pour the rice mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
  7. Top with Cheese:
    Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend generously over the rice mixture, ensuring complete coverage for a gooey, cheesy topping.
  8. Bake:
    Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Garnish and Serve:
    Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Enjoy this wholesome and flavorful Mexican Brown Rice Bake as a standalone dish or pair it with a simple green salad for a complete meal. Its delicious blend of spices and textures will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds!

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