Fiesta Cheese Rice
Turn your dinner table into a celebration with Fiesta Cheese Rice, a vibrant and cheesy side dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and hearty textures. This recipe combines fluffy long-grain white rice with sautéed onions, red bell peppers, garlic, and a warming blend of cumin and chili powder for a zesty kick. Packed with juicy diced tomatoes with green chilies, sweet corn, and a generous blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, this dish is a perfect balance of spice and creaminess. Topped with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and brightness, Fiesta Cheese Rice makes an irresistible accompaniment to tacos, grilled meats, or can even stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian entrée. Prep it in just 10 minutes, and let your taste buds dance with bold Tex-Mex flavors everyone will love!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 10 ounces canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g. Rotel), drained
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies and thawed corn kernels to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked rice. Mix until the rice is well coated with the vegetable mixture.
Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring continuously, until melted and evenly distributed.
Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste, and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy your Fiesta Cheese Rice as a side dish or a flavorful main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1679 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 95.4 g | 122% | |
| Saturated Fat | 57.6 g | 288% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 287 mg | 96% | |
| Sodium | 3537 mg | 154% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 142.7 g | 52% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.1 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.5 g | ||
| Protein | 74.7 g | 149% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1792 mg | 138% | |
| Iron | 8.7 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 1771 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
