Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
This Mexican Brown Rice Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Packed with nutritious brown rice, black beans, corn, and a medley of Mexican-inspired spices, this bake is both satisfying and delicious. It’s topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Serve it as a main course or a side dish—either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the brown rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30-35 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Once the rice is cooked, combine it with the vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 450mg
Enjoy this delicious and nutritious Mexican Brown Rice Bake as a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!