Pioneer Woman Spanish Rice Casserole Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Spanish Rice Casserole is a cheesy and easy recipe, which is made with a convenient boxed Spanish Rice mix and meatless crumbles. It’s the perfect vegetarian weeknight dinner, a quick and satisfying one-dish meal ready in about 30 minutes.

Pioneer Woman Spanish Rice Casserole Ingredients

A simple, semi-homemade list for a quick and flavorful vegetarian meal.

• 1 (16.8 ounce) package boxed Spanish Rice mix
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup fresh or frozen corn
• 1 cup meatless crumbles (like Boca or MorningStar)
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• ¼ cup salsa
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 tablespoons crumbled queso fresco
• 1 avocado, sliced, for serving

How To Make Pioneer Woman Spanish Rice Casserole

A step-by-step guide to this incredibly quick and easy one-dish dinner.

1. Prep Oven and Cook Rice: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Prepare the boxed Spanish rice mix according to the package directions (using the microwave method is a great shortcut).
2. Sauté the Vegetables: While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped red bell pepper and corn and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and some edges have started to brown.
3. Combine the Casserole: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the sautéed bell pepper and corn, the meatless crumbles, the sour cream, and the salsa. Mix everything together well.
4. Top with Cheese and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish (you can use the same microwave-safe dish you cooked the rice in). Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake and Serve: Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Top with the crumbled queso fresco and fresh sliced avocado just before serving.

Recipe Tips

For the most delicious and perfectly baked casserole.

• How to make this recipe even easier? As the recipe note suggests, for a true one-pot microwave meal, you can skip sautéing the vegetables separately. Simply add the chopped bell pepper and corn directly to the rice mixture before you microwave it. The vegetables will steam-cook along with the rice.
• Can I make this ahead of time? This is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare the entire casserole (without the cheese topping), cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, add the cheese and you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• What are meatless crumbles? Meatless crumbles are a plant-based ground meat substitute, usually made from soy or pea protein. They are a convenient way to add a hearty, “meaty” texture to vegetarian dishes like this one.
• Can I use a different kind of cheese? Yes. A Mexican cheese blend, Colby Jack, or a spicy pepper jack would all be delicious substitutes for the Monterey Jack.

What To Serve With Spanish Rice Casserole

This all-in-one vegetarian dish is a complete meal.

This hearty casserole has everything you need for a satisfying dinner. It’s fantastic served with:

• An extra dollop of sour cream or a scoop of guacamole
• Your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick
• A simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette
• Warm flour or corn tortillas

How To Store Spanish Rice Casserole

Keeping your delicious leftovers fresh.

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Gently rewarm individual portions in the microwave until heated through.

Pioneer Woman Spanish Rice Casserole Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per serving.

• Calories: 437 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Fat: 22 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Nacho Cheese Casserole Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Eggs Benedict Casserole Recipe