Casseroles > Latin American > Colombian

Queso Costeño and Rice Casserole Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of cooked rice
- 1 cup of crumbled Queso Costeño cheese
- 1 cup of chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of chopped onion
- 1/2 cup of chopped bell pepper
- 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, Queso Costeño cheese, chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, salt, black pepper, and vegetable oil.

3. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.

4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

5. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.

6. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 9g
- Fiber: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Queso Costeño cheese can be substituted with feta cheese or queso fresco.
- Chopped tomatoes can be substituted with canned diced tomatoes.

Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or ground beef to the mixture for a heartier casserole.
- Top the casserole with sliced avocado or sour cream before serving.

Tips and tricks:
- Use leftover rice for this recipe to save time.
- Make sure to mix the ingredients well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- You can also use a different type of cheese if you prefer.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the casserole in individual bowls or on plates.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced avocado.

Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of black beans or refried beans.
- Pair with a green salad for a lighter meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Black beans
- Refried beans
- Green salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the casserole is too dry, add a little bit of vegetable broth or water before baking.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the casserole until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown to ensure that it is fully cooked.

Food history:
- Queso Costeño is a type of cheese that is popular in the coastal regions of Colombia and Ecuador.

Flavor profiles:
- The casserole has a savory and slightly tangy flavor from the Queso Costeño cheese and tomatoes.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the casserole as a main dish for lunch or dinner.

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Region: Colombian

Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Comforting, Flavorful