A creamy and cheesy rice casserole with a hint of spice, perfect for any gathering or family dinner.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Ensure your oven is fully preheated for even cooking.
Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
A non-stick spray can make cleanup easier.
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, sour cream, cottage cheese, green chilies, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent flavor.
Layer half of the rice mixture in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining rice mixture and cheese.
Press the layers gently to create a compact casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set.
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Cheesy Green Chili Rice Bake.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for added color and flavor.