Cheesy Enchilada Rice

User Reviews

5

16 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    25 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    12

  • Calories

    212 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Cheesy Enchilada Rice

Cheesy Enchilada Rice combines sautéed onions, long grain rice, green chiles, and red enchilada sauce simmered together until tender, then finished with Monterey Jack cheese melted into the mixture. The dish offers a creamy, slightly spicy flavor with a tender texture, making it a satisfying side or main dish that holds well as leftovers. Garnishing with scallions adds freshness and color, enhancing the overall appeal.

Description

Cheesy Enchilada Rice starts with sautéing chopped onions in butter to develop a mild sweetness, then incorporates long grain rice for a fluffy yet firm base. Green chiles provide mild heat and vegetal notes while red enchilada sauce adds a rich, tangy spice that infuses the grains during simmering. The rice is cooked covered at low heat to ensure even absorption of flavors and moisture.

Once the rice is tender, additional water and shredded Monterey Jack cheese are stirred in, melting to create a creamy texture that binds the dish. The inclusion of cheese softens the spiciness and adds a mellow richness, making the rice comforting and flavorful without overwhelming the palate. Scallions or cilantro sprinkled on top finish the presentation with a fresh, sharp contrast.

This rice works well as a standalone vegetarian dish or can accompany Mexican-inspired meals, offering ease in preparation and pleasing combination of cheese and chile flavors. It's suitable for making ahead since it stores well and reheats effectively, retaining taste and texture.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat with a splash of water if needed to restore moisture. The recipe’s flexibility allows using pepper jack cheese for a spicier variation, and the stirring occasionally during cooking prevents the rice from sticking.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 3/4 cup onion chopped
  • 2 cups long grain rice
  • 4.5 ounces green chile 1 can, Old El Paso brand, chopped
  • 19 ounces Red Enchilada Sauce 1 can, brand Old El Paso
  • 2 cups Monterey jack cheese or pepper jack cheese (8 ounces, shredded
  • 4 cups water
  • scallions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place butter in a 5-qt. saute pan and set over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add the rice, Old El Paso Green Chiles, Old El Paso Red Enchilada Sauce, and 3 cups of water.
  2. Stir and cover the pan. Bring to a boil. Set the heat to low and simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Keep covered in between stirs.
  3. Once the rice is cooked through, add one more cup of water and the shredded cheese. Stir and cook another 2-3 minutes until the rice is tender. Garnish with cilantro or scallions and serve warm.

Notes

  • Store leftover enchilada rice in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheat gently, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
  • Use Monterey Jack for a mild cheesy flavor or substitute pepper jack for added heat.
  • Stir the rice every 5 minutes during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1cup Calories 212kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 29g (10%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 6g (9%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Cholesterol 18mg (6%) Sodium 544mg (23%) Potassium 77mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 480IU (10%) Vitamin C 5.3mg (6%) Calcium 158mg (16%) Iron 0.8mg (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 212 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1cup
Calories 212kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 29g 10%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 6g 9%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 18mg 6%
Sodium 544mg 23%
Potassium 77mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 480IU 10%
Vitamin C 5.3mg 6%
Calcium 158mg 16%
Iron 0.8mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5

16 reviews
Excellent

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