If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s bursting with Southwestern flair, look no further than Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole. This irresistible side dish marries creamy, melty cheeses with the gentle heat of green chiles and the fluffy, satisfying texture of white rice. Whether you’re serving it as part of a festive dinner or cozy family meal, this casserole checks every box for ease, flavor, and pure comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole is that just a few simple ingredients come together for layers of flavor and richness. Each one brings its own special something — from creaminess and spice to gooey cheese pull!
- Cooked white rice: The starchy foundation that soaks up all those wonderful flavors; use day-old or freshly cooked, just make sure it’s fluffy.
- Diced green chiles: These mild, tangy peppers add a gentle heat and that distinct Southwestern zest.
- Sour cream: For creamy tang that blends everything together and keeps each bite luscious.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, giving the casserole its signature gooey texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp flavor punch and that golden baked topping everyone loves.
- Garlic powder: A little sprinkle infuses the rice mixture with savory depth.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor without the need to chop fresh onions.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance every element of the dish without overpowering the delicate green chile flavor.
- Black pepper: For a subtle kick and a bit of extra warmth.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): A fresh burst of color and herbal flavor for garnish if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Make Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or nonstick spray. This step ensures your delicious Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Goodness
In a large mixing bowl, toss in your cooked rice, drained green chiles, creamy sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese, half the cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together so every grain of rice gets a glossy coating of flavor and the cheese is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread that tasty mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out so it’s nice and even. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top for a layer that will turn bubbly and golden when baked — a signature look and taste of Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for a hot, bubbling dish with the cheese perfectly melted and lightly browned at the edges. Your kitchen will fill up with the coziest, cheesiest aroma!
Step 5: Let Rest and Garnish
Take the casserole out and let it rest for 5 minutes so it can set up — this makes serving easier. If you love a fresh finish, scatter chopped cilantro over the top before serving. The vibrant green really pops against the golden cheese.
How to Serve Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole
Garnishes
For maximum flavor, finish your Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or a few additional green chiles. A dollop of extra sour cream or some sliced scallions adds both flavor and color, inviting everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with grilled meats like carne asada, barbecued chicken, or roast pork, or serve it alongside vegetarian mains like black bean enchiladas. It also shines next to a big, crisp green salad or charred corn on the cob.
Creative Ways to Present
Dole out generous scoops into ramekins for a personalized touch, or serve family-style straight from the dish. For parties, cut into tidy squares for an easy-to-eat finger food. Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole is also fantastic spooned into warm tortillas for a more indulgent side!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and intensify, making your next-day helping just as crave-worthy as the first.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a well-sealed freezer container. Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole freezes beautifully for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until piping hot and the cheese has melted again. If the casserole looks a little dry, add a splash of milk or extra sour cream before reheating to refresh the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and fluffy before adding to your Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole.
Are canned green chiles very spicy?
Most canned diced green chiles are mild and more tangy than hot, so the dish is family-friendly. If you want extra punch, look for hot green chiles or add some diced jalapeños.
Can I make it dairy free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cheese and plant-based sour cream. The casserole will still be rich and satisfying, though the finish might be a bit different in texture.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Definitely! You can double the ingredients and bake the Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole in a 9×13-inch dish for a larger group. Just add an extra 5–10 minutes of bake time as needed.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You sure can. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate it up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats so it cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the way Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole brings a table together — it’s creamy, cheesy, a little spicy, and always comforting. If you’ve never tried this classic, now’s the time! Give it a go and make it your new go-to side dish for any occasion.
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Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole that combines cooked white rice with diced green chiles, sour cream, and a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. Baked to perfection, this Mexican-inspired side dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with delicious flavors.
Ingredients
Rice Mixture:
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, green chiles, sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bake: Spread the mixture in the baking dish, top with remaining cheddar cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, garnish with cilantro if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Enhance with cooked crumbled bacon or sautéed onions for added flavor.
- For a lighter option, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
