This Santa Fe brown rice bake is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. Combining the wholesome goodness of brown rice, black beans, and corn with the zesty kick of salsa and spices, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying. Topped with melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples, you might need to pick up a few items if they’re not already in your kitchen. Brown rice is a whole grain that takes a bit longer to cook than white rice, so make sure you have enough time. Black beans and corn are typically found in the canned goods aisle. Salsa can vary in heat level, so choose one that suits your taste. The spices, cumin and chili powder, add a southwestern flair and are usually available in the spice section.

Ingredients For Santa Fe Brown Rice Bake
Brown rice: A whole grain that provides a nutty flavor and chewy texture, forming the base of the dish.
Black beans: These legumes add protein and a creamy texture, complementing the rice.
Corn: Adds a sweet crunch to the bake, balancing the other flavors.
Salsa: Provides a zesty, tangy flavor and moisture to the dish. Choose your preferred heat level.
Cheese: Shredded cheese melts on top, adding a rich, gooey finish.
Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that enhances the southwestern flavor profile.
Chili powder: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the dish.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To enhance the flavor of the brown rice, consider toasting it in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before cooking. This will bring out a nutty aroma and add depth to the dish. Additionally, when mixing the black beans and corn with the salsa, make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your preference. For an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top just before serving.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
brown rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa cooks faster and has a similar texture, providing a good source of protein and fiber.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds more flavor to the dish compared to plain water.
black beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable replacement.
corn - Substitute with frozen peas: Frozen peas offer a similar sweetness and texture, and they are easy to use.
salsa - Substitute with diced tomatoes with green chilies: This combination provides a similar flavor with a bit of added heat.
shredded cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is a good option for those avoiding dairy.
cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a warm, citrusy flavor that can mimic the earthiness of cumin.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika provides a mild heat and smoky flavor, making it a good alternative to chili powder.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the Santa Fe Brown Rice Bake to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- Transfer the cooled rice bake into an airtight container. If you plan to consume it within a few days, store it in the refrigerator.
- For longer storage, place the airtight container in the freezer. The rice bake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When ready to reheat, if refrigerated, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. If frozen, it's best to thaw the rice bake overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent drying out and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- For added freshness, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice after reheating.
- If you notice any off smells or changes in texture, it's best to discard the rice bake to ensure food safety.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Santa Fe Brown Rice Bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until it's heated through. For an extra crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.
Microwave Method: Transfer a portion of the Santa Fe Brown Rice Bake to a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the Santa Fe Brown Rice Bake and a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it's thoroughly heated.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the Santa Fe Brown Rice Bake in an air fryer-safe dish. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it's warming evenly. This method will give you a nice, crispy top layer.
Steam Method: Place the Santa Fe Brown Rice Bake in a heatproof dish that fits into a steamer basket. Add water to the steamer and bring it to a boil. Place the dish in the steamer basket, cover, and steam for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the dish from drying out.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the dish at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Saucepan: Used to cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cooked rice, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Baking dish: Used to transfer the mixed ingredients and top with shredded cheese before baking.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the brown rice, water, and shredded cheese.
Can opener: Used to open the cans of black beans and corn.
Colander: Used to drain and rinse the black beans and corn.
Wooden spoon: Used to mix the ingredients together in the mixing bowl.
Oven mitts: Used to safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Use instant brown rice: Swap regular brown rice with instant brown rice to cut down on cooking time.
Pre-shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheese to save the time and effort of grating it yourself.
Canned ingredients: Utilize canned black beans and corn to avoid extra prep work.
Batch cooking: Cook a large batch of brown rice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick assembly.
One-pot method: Cook the brown rice and mix all ingredients in the same pot to reduce cleanup time.

Santa Fe Brown Rice Bake Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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