Description
This comforting Pepper Jack Rice Bake is a deliciously cheesy casserole combining cooked rice with sautéed bell peppers and onions, creamy sour cream, flavorful cream of celery soup, zesty green chiles, sweet corn, and spicy Pepper Jack cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, it makes a perfect side dish or vegetarian main course for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 2 (4.5-oz) cans chopped green chiles
Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
- 1 (8-oz) container sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese, divided
Pantry Staples
- 2 Tbsp oil
- 6 cups cooked rice
- 1 (10.5-oz) can cream of celery soup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375ºF and lightly spray a 9x13x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped red bell pepper and onion, cooking them until softened and fragrant, about 8 minutes.
- Mix the rice bake ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sour cream, cream of celery soup, chopped green chiles, corn kernels, the sautéed bell pepper and onions, and half of the shredded Pepper Jack cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Assemble in the baking dish: Spread the rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to create a smooth layer.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven, baking for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to heat through.
- Add remaining cheese: Remove the foil carefully and sprinkle the remaining cup of Pepper Jack cheese over the top of the bake.
- Finish baking uncovered: Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen corn kernels interchangeably—just thaw the frozen ones beforehand.
- For a spicier dish, use diced jalapeños with or instead of green chiles.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave, making this great for meal prep.
- Feel free to substitute Pepper Jack cheese with Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.
- Ensure rice is cooked and cooled before starting the recipe to prevent a mushy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
