Hacienda Rice Surprise
A creamy and cheesy baked rice casserole with a surprising kick from jalapeños and a tangy note from Italian dressing. This simple, layered dish is a satisfying comfort food that works well as a side or a hearty main course.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 57 min
- Serves
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 401 kcal
Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 400 mlchicken broth
- 1 cupinstant rice
- 1 cupsour cream
- 0.5 cupcreamy italian dressing
- 1.5 tbsppickled jalapeño, finely chopped
- 1.5 tbsppickled jalapeño brine, from the jar
- 1 cupcanned water chestnut, drained and sliced
middle layer
- 175 gmonterey jack cheese, grated
top layer
- 175 gmonterey jack cheese, grated
Equipment
saucepan · spatula · cutting board · knife · oven · large mixing bowl · casserole dish
The method
Step by step
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a 2-quart (or 2-liter) casserole dish.
About 2 min
- 2
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
About 5 min
- 3
Stir in the instant rice, cover the pan, and remove it from the heat. Let it stand for 5-7 minutes until all the broth is absorbed.
About 7 min
Cook’s note: Do not lift the lid while the rice is steaming to ensure it cooks through properly.
- 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sour cream, creamy Italian dressing, chopped pickled jalapeños, pickled jalapeño brine, and sliced water chestnuts.
About 3 min
- 5
Stir everything together thoroughly until evenly combined.
About 1 min
- 6
Spread half of the rice mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
About 1 min
- 7
Sprinkle the grated cheese designated for the middle layer evenly over the rice.
About 1 min
- 8
Top with the remaining rice mixture, spreading it into a second even layer.
About 1 min
- 9
Sprinkle the grated cheese for the top layer over the entire casserole.
About 1 min
- 10
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is fully melted.
About 30 min
Cook’s note: For a browner top, you can place it under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- 11
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Resting allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 401.2kcal
- Protein
- 16.7g
- Carbs
- 15.3g
- Fat
- 30.9g
- Fibre
- 0.7g
- Sugar
- 3.9g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the casserole covered at 175°C (350°F) until heated through.
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