Green Chile-Rice Casserole
Description:
Looking for a comforting, cheesy chili casserole that’s both satisfying and vegan-friendly? Look no further! This Green Chile-Rice Casserole recipe is a delightful adaptation from the Weight Watchers Vegetarian Cookbook, ensuring a hearty dish with a southwestern twist. Even my non-vegan husband couldn’t resist its flavorful allure, blissfully unaware that the “cheese” was soy-based. With just a touch of spice and a whole lot of flavor, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleasing main course for your next gathering.
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Southwestern U.S., Vegan, Spicy, Microwave, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Margarine |
| 1/2 | Onion |
| 1 1/4 | Vegetable broth |
| 1 | Water |
| 1 | Can of green chilies |
| 1 | Cup of long-grain rice |
| 1 | Tub of Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese |
| 2 | Diced pimentos |
| 1 | Teaspoon of garlic powder |
| 1/4 | Teaspoon of salt |
| Fresh cilantro (for garnish) | |
| Monterey Jack-style soy cheese (optional) |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 202.2
- Fat Content: 1.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 20.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 42.8g
- Fiber Content: 1.7g
- Sugar Content: 3g
- Protein Content: 4.4g
Recipe Instructions:
-
Start by melting the margarine in a large saucepan over medium heat.
-
Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
-
Pour in the vegetable broth, water, and the can of green chilies. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil.
-
Once boiling, stir in the long-grain rice, ensuring it’s well coated in the flavorful liquid.
-
Cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for approximately 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
-
Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese, diced pimentos, and garlic powder until well combined.
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Transfer the creamy rice mixture into a 1-quart baking dish that has been lightly coated with cooking spray.
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Bake the casserole, uncovered, in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
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If desired, sprinkle the top of the casserole with Monterey Jack-style soy cheese for an extra layer of melty goodness.
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Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted to perfection.
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Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs for a pop of color and flavor.
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Serve your Green Chile-Rice Casserole hot and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness with every bite!
This recipe serves 4, making it perfect for a small gathering or for leftovers to enjoy throughout the week. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this Green Chile-Rice Casserole is a winner every time! 🌶️🍚🧀
