Hello, strangers!
It has been quite a while since I’ve been able to make my way over to this little corner of the internet. Between holidays, SO MUCH TRAVEL, and less than satisfactory weather in Kansas (meaning dark and stormy every day) ((meaning photography = no no)), I have definitely had some issues bringing you three posts a week.
But we had sunny weather this past weekend, and I was able to make and photograph several different dishes, so I’ve got some good ones comin’ your way ?. This mouth watering casserole is one of them. Who knew brown rice could be so comforting?? I definitely didn’t. But I’ll tell you something right now…add some cheese, rotel, tomato paste, refried beans, and Mexican seasoning to a a big bowl of brown rice, and you have one AMAZING meal/side dish/breakfast/snack/dessert…catch my drift?
This casserole = lyfe.
It’s just…it’s just…tears…so good.
It’s comfort food to the max. Except it has Mexican flavors (which makes it better), and it’s made with healthy, wonderful brown rice (which makes it WAY better). Score. Win. Touchdown. Mexican Rice Casserole – 1, All Other Food – 0.
I just love it. But that’s pretty obvious, right? You will love it too…promise.
Unless you are an unhappy person who hates delicious things. In that case you might not like it.
So how has your life been in the seven years since we’ve spoken? And by “spoken” I mean when I rant on here for an hour and you sometimes comment below.
Anything interesting happen with you?
If I’m filling you in on my life, I would obviously just talk about Boone. Because…well…Boone. You all know I’m obsessed in a totally non-socially-acceptable way. You know those people who hate people who treat their dog like one of their children? Because they actually have children? They would hate me. Because I am totally one of those people.
Prime example. Guess what I started doing with Boone today? Taking him to Doggie Daycare. Yes. Daycare…for dogs. BUT IT’S SO COOL.
Before you judge me and say “He’s an animal…” just hear me out. Picture a really big dog (Boone) who is super high energy (Boone) and is stuck inside alllllll day while I am teaching English to all my wonderful students (Boone). Now picture being able to drop him off on your way to work at an amazing place where he literally is out playing with other super friendly dogs all day. Seriously all day. They crate the dogs for an hour at lunch time so they can relax for a little bit, and that’s their ONLY non play time.
Doesn’t that sound amazing?? I took him there for two hours on Saturday for a “temperament check,” and he was exhausted for the rest of the day. My life is going to be so easy now. He will be such a happy, relaxed dog. Just like he used to be when I worked from home and had time to play fetch with him several times a day at the dog park.
I’m not going to lie to you…I’m pretty excited about it. Even though I totally realize that taking your animal to “Daycare” puts you on the that-lady-is-a-little-too-obsessed-with-her-dog list. But that’s okay. Totally worth it.
So…to sum things up. I missed you all. This rice casserole is BOSS. Boone will now be tired and happy every day. The end.
See you in a few days!
PrintCheesy Mexican Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 6 cups cooked brown rice (I used the quick “Boil in a Bag” kind to speed things up)
- 1/2 cup fat free refried beans
- 1 can rotel tomatoes (original)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese, plus a little more for topping
- 2 tablespoons Mexican seasoning (recipe below)
- Recipe for Mexican seasoning: (makes 3 1/2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- Cook your brown rice; set aside in a large bowl
- Into the brown rice, add the tomato paste, Mexican seasoning, rotel, cheese, and refried beans
- Stir everything together until completely combined
- Season to taste with salt – you will need a pretty decent amount because none is added before this point! Don’t be afraid of it.
- Spread into an oval baking dish (a 9×13 baking dish will also work)
- Top with more Mexican cheese
- Bake for 15 minutes
- Top with chopped cilantro (optional)
*This recipe is gluten free*
If you make this or any of my other recipes, be sure to Instagram it and hashtag #thegarlicdiaries!
In the mood for more yummy Mexican dishes? Check these out:
Baked Greek Yogurt Chicken Flautas
Do you think I could use more refried beans without ruining the balance of flavors or texture too much?
Maybe 1.5 or 2 cups refried beans? 1/2 cup refried beans for 10 servings seems light to me. Can’t wait to make it for next weeks NFL Sunday Mexican Foodfest at fantasy football central.
I think you can totally increase the amount! I used just a little to pull the rice together – that was mainly the beans’ roll more than flavor or substance, but I think it would be super yummy with more added in, too! I hope this turns out delicious for you, Dug! NFL SUnday Mexican Foodfest sounds like a super fun time – I’m jealous.
Could you make this in advance without baking it and bake the next day for an event?
I think you totally could, yes!
Do you think putting Mexican corn in here would just be too much?
I think adding corn would be super yummy, actually! Go for it and let me know how it turns out :).
I didn’t see the Mexican spice recipe, can you post it? so i guessed on it when I made it and it was great.
★★★★★
I’m glad it turned out well for you Lorrie!! The Mexican seasoning recipe is in the original recipe. It’s the spice mixture that is at the bottom of the ingredient list :).
Can you use white rice instead of brown rice??
★★★★★
Good question! You absolutely can use white rice instead.
I don’t think it makes you crazy dog lady at all! I think it makes you “super responsible dog owner.” Lots of people want their dogs to have more attention, interaction, and exercise than they’d get from just a dog walker stopping by for 20 minutes or so. I send my guy once a week, but I’d absolutely do it every day if I could afford it. I call Mondays “Sleepy Puppy Day” because I bring him home and he is out like a light. It’s my favorite day of the week!
Also this looks delicious and I can’t wait to try it!! MAYBE I’ll set aside a bit without the spices for Mr. Dog, if he’s lucky!
Oh my gosh, I totally know what you mean about him being “out light a light” when he get’s home. My dog literally picks a spot on the floor or couch and doesn’t move for the rest of the evening. I absolutely love it! Thanks, for the kind words Meredith :). And you should definitely try this casserole! You would love it.
Being from Texas originally, I love dishes like this that remind me of the TexMex casseroles I grew up with.
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted…Pasta With Beans And Greens
They are so delicious aren’t they? I love food like this.
You’re not crazy for taking Boone to doggie day care – I think it’s a great idea. In fact, I’ve been after my sister for ages to take her dog (Athena).Athena spends so much time alone, plus my sister has a toddler and 2 cats, so I think doggie daycare would be perfect for her! Anyway, this casserole looks great – anything mexican and cheesy is right up my alley!
Keri @ Fashionable Foods recently posted…Winter Squash Carbonara
I’m glad you don’t think I’m crazy :). Doggie Daycare would be perfect for Athena! I’m with you – anything Mexican and cheesy…yum. Thanks, Keri!
I am obsessed with my pets too, so I totally understand.
Cheese and Mexican are 2 of my favourite words, so this is TOTAL comfort food for me.
I’m right there with you Dannii! Cheese + Mexican = ?.
I think taking your dog to doggy daycare sounds cool. I treat my pets like my children too. This casserole looks so good. I’ve really been in the mood for Mexican flavors lately, and this looks really comforting on cold days!
I’m glad I’m not the only one :). Thanks, Amanda!
I totally feel you! I’ve had my pup for about four months and am SO obsessed. Pretty sure everyone in the world thinks I’m crazy. I love the idea of this rice… Perfect for dinner and take-to-work leftover lunches!!
Yessss! So obsessed. Thanks, Sue! Oh yeah, I brought it to work for lunch yesterday, and it was even better as leftovers :).
This looks really, really good and I’m definitely making it tomorrow! Big fan of Mexican food–actually, pretty much just Carlos o Kelly’s–but this sounds delicious. You’ll notice how I just used rule J… ;P
You rock!
★★★★
Thanks, Ashlyn! Nice use of rule J – I’m impressed (also rule J).