Gari’s Rice Ortega Casserole
📜 Collection: UK5 | ✍️ Attribution: Gari | 📂 Category: Sides A wonderfully creamy and cheesy rice casserole packed with green chiles, sour cream, and cottage cheese. This quick and easy side dish bakes to bubbling perfection in just twenty-five minutes.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 25 mins | None | 6-8 servings |
🔪 Key Equipment
- Casserole dish
- Small skillet
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2/3 cup | Minute Rice | Uncooked |
| 1/2 cup | Onion | Chopped |
| 1 tbsp | Butter | For sautéing |
| 1 can (4 oz) | Green Chiles | Chopped |
| 1 3/4 cups | Sour Cream | Standard |
| 1/2 pound (8 oz) | Cottage Cheese | Standard |
| 1/2 pound (2 cups) | Cheddar Cheese | Sharp, shredded |
| 1 clove | Garlic | Minced, or to taste |
| To taste | Salt | Standard |
| To taste | Pepper | Standard |
| 1 | Bay Leaf | Whole |
| As needed | Cheese | Grated, for topping |
Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Cook Rice
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish.
- Cook the 2/3 cup of Minute Rice according to package directions.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Mix
- While the rice is cooking, sauté the 1/2 cup chopped Onion in 1 tbsp of Butter in a small skillet until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onion, 1 can chopped Green Chiles, 1 3/4 cups Sour Cream, 1/2 pound Cottage Cheese, 1/2 pound sharp Cheddar Cheese, minced Garlic, Salt, Pepper, and the 1 Bay Leaf. Mix well until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Bake and Serve
- Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish and top with additional grated Cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Remember to remove the Bay Leaf before serving.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store sealed in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.
Original Recipe Scan
