Why We Love This Cheesy Enchilada Rice Recipe
Stumped by side dishes? It’s often easy to decide on a main dish for dinner, but less straightforward to determine what goes with it. Have you noticed that? Well say hello to a rich and zesty side dish you are going to want to pair with all your main dishes, Cheesy Enchilada Rice. This silky rice recipe is a cross between Spanish Rice and creamy risotto, and seems to go with everything! Throw some grilled shrimp on top, or pair it with pork loin. Serve with grilled chicken or steak. You can even roast vegetables to top this Cheesy Enchilada Rice for a complete vegetarian meal.
Ingredients You Need
Made with pantry staples, this 6-ingredient wonder combines robust flavor and cheesy goodness. Using long grain rice (instead of arborio rice for risotto) gives it a hearty, yet luxurious, texture.
Butter – To sauté the onion! Onion – Diced Long Grain Rice – I like to use a long grain white rice here, for maximum creaminess. I wouldn’t use brown rice, since it won’t produce the same texture. Canned Green Chiles – For a bit of smoky spice! Red Enchilada Sauce – Adds all the flavor of enchiladas in one can. Cheese – I like to use monterey jack or pepper jack cheese! Water – To cook the rice. Scallions – As garnish.
Old El Paso Green Chiles and Old El Paso Red Enchilada Sauce create depth and subtle heat as the Cheesy Enchilada Rice simmers. There is no need for canned tomatoes and a long list of spices; it’s all in the Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce!
How to Make Easy Cheesy Enchilada Rice
Place butter in a sauté pan and set over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add the rice, green chiles, enchilada sauce, and 3 cups of water. 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. 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 fresh cilantro or scallions and serve warm. Enjoy!
Recipe Variations
Add some veggies! The good news about cheesy Mexican-style rice is that it is super versatile. For some added texture and nutrients, you can throw in some veggies while the rice is cooking! Try adding bell pepper, corn, or canned beans! Use whatever cheese you have on hand! Something like cheddar cheese, colby jack, monterey jack, or pepper jack is best! Serve this creamy rice with a side of fresh avocado!
Serving Suggestions
Serve you enchilada rice skillet with a protein on the side to create a whole meal! It also goes great with some extra side dishes to create a well rounded, family-favorite meal. Here are some of my favorites to pair with it:
Mexican-Style Pinto Beans Homemade Tortilla Pollo Asado Carne Asada Garlic Butter Shrimp
Looking for More Easy Side Dish Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
Best Homemade Salsa Spanish Rice Saffron Risotto Refried Beans Yellow Rice Recipe
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Old El Paso. All opinions are my own. Share This Recipe With Friends!
