This Spanish Rice Bake recipe is a delightful twist on traditional Spanish rice. It combines the rich flavors of rice, tomatoes, spices, and vegetables, all baked together for a comforting and satisfying dish. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients for Spanish Rice Bake
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make Spanish Rice Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is almost cooked through.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, and cilantro. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Transfer the rice mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the Spanish Rice Bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients
- Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe, as it cooks up light and fluffy.
- Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce add a rich, tomatoey flavor to the dish.
- Vegetables: Onion, bell peppers, garlic, black beans, and corn add texture and flavor.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and paprika give the dish its signature Spanish-inspired flavor.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a deliciously gooey topping to the baked dish.
This Spanish Rice Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.