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Hey friends!
Are you in the mood for some comfort food with a twist? I’ve got a tasty treat for you!
Today, I’m sharing my super easy Mexican rice casserole recipe.
It’s packed with flavor, cheesy goodness, and a bit of spice.
Perfect for dinner or meal prep for the week.
Let’s dive into this deliciousness!
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
Rotisserie chicken can be replaced with cooked, shredded tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. These alternatives provide protein and can be seasoned to mimic the chicken’s flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed, as these substitutes may not require as long to heat through.
Corn tortillas can be substituted with flour tortillas or large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. If using lettuce, omit the baking step and use the leaves as wraps instead. For a gluten-free alternative, use gluten-free tortillas made from rice or cassava flour.
Basmati rice can be swapped with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version. Use 4 cups of riced cauliflower in place of the 2 cups of basmati rice and reduce cooking time. This substitution significantly lowers the dish’s carbohydrate content while adding more vegetables to the meal.
| Preparation Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45-60 minutes |
| Total Time | 75-105 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 3200-3600
- Protein: 200-220 g
- Fat: 180-200 g
- Carbohydrates: 250-270 g
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken
- 12 corn tortillas
- Mexican cooked rice
- Creamy chile sauce
- 3 to 4 cups of cheese
- 2 cups of basmati rice
- 4 cups of water (or 3.5 cups if not in arid area)
- 1 small can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp tomato chicken bouillon
- 8 guajillo chiles
- 15 oz mexican cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp mexican oregano
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 chiles de arbol (for spice)
- Chopped lettuce (for topping)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Salsa (for topping)
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Begin by thoroughly washing 2 cups of basmati rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Heat a drizzle of oil in a pot over medium-high heat, then add the washed rice.
Toast the rice until it turns light golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.
Stir in 1 bay leaf and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, toasting for an additional 10-15 seconds.
Pour in 3.5 cups of water (or 4 cups if you are in a very arid area), add 1 small can of tomato sauce and 2 tablespoons of tomato chicken bouillon, and mix well.
Reduce the heat to low and cook the rice according to the package instructions until done.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Chili Sauce
Remove the stems and seeds from 8 guajillo chiles and soak them in hot water for 10-15 minutes until they become soft.
In a blender, combine the softened chiles, 15 ounces of Mexican crema, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Mexican oregano, 1 tablespoon of tomato chicken bouillon, and 1/4 cup of warm water.
Blend the mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken and Tortillas
Shred a rotisserie chicken or, if unavailable, boil 3-4 chicken breasts and shred them.
Toast 12 corn tortillas slightly to prevent them from cracking in the casserole.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
In a baking dish, start by spreading a layer of the creamy chili sauce at the bottom.
Place some of the toasted tortillas over the sauce, then add a layer of the cooked rice and smooth it out.
Over the rice, layer the shredded rotisserie chicken, followed by a sprinkle of cheese (preferably Chihuahua cheese).
Drizzle more creamy chili sauce over the cheese.
Repeat this layering process, using the remaining tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 380°F (193°C).
Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, covering with foil if the cheese begins to brown too quickly.
This ensures everything is heated through and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Top with chopped lettuce, sour cream, and salsa for a fresh and savory finish.
Enjoy your delicious homemade casserole!
