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#### Step 4: Assemble the Bake
1. **Transfer to a baking dish**: Once everything is well combined, transfer the rice mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
2. **Top with cheese**: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the rice mixture.
#### Step 5: Bake
1. **Bake the dish**: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden. If you prefer a more crispy cheese topping, you can broil the dish for an additional 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
#### Step 6: Garnish and Serve
1. **Garnish**: After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, lime wedges, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.
2. **Serve**: Slice it into squares or serve it directly from the dish. This flavorful Mexican Brown Rice Bake is perfect on its own or paired with a side of fresh salad or guacamole.
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### Tips for a Perfect Mexican Brown Rice Bake:
– **Customize the protein**: If you want to add more protein, consider incorporating cooked chicken, ground turkey, or even some crumbled tofu. You can stir it in along with the beans and veggies for an extra boost.
– **Make it spicier**: To amp up the heat, add some chopped jalapeños to the sautéed vegetables or use a spicier salsa in place of the diced tomatoes.
– **Add more veggies**: This dish is incredibly versatile! Feel free to add in other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or even some diced carrots to make it even more nutrient-packed.
– **Meal prep**: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. It also freezes well for future meals—just bake it, let it cool, and then freeze it in individual portions.
– **Dairy-free option**: To make the dish dairy-free, simply use a plant-based cheese or omit the cheese altogether. The dish will still be flavorful thanks to the combination of spices and toppings like avocado and cilantro.
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### Why You’ll Love This Mexican Brown Rice Bake:
– **Wholesome and filling**: Brown rice is a great source of fiber and helps keep you full, while the black beans add plant-based protein to keep you satisfied for hours.
– **Gluten-free goodness**: This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet.
– **Packed with flavor**: From the bold spices like cumin and chili powder to the tangy lime and fresh cilantro garnish, each bite is bursting with authentic Mexican flavors.
– **Customizable**: Whether you prefer a milder dish or one with extra heat, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can swap out ingredients and toppings based on your preferences and dietary needs.
– **Easy to make**: With just a few simple steps and ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to prepare. The combination of cooking the rice, sautéing the veggies, and then baking it all together makes for a convenient one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy days.
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### Conclusion:
**Mexican Brown Rice Bake – Gluten-Free** is a vibrant, hearty, and flavorful dish that will satisfy your cravings for Mexican-inspired comfort food without any gluten. Packed with wholesome ingredients like brown rice, black beans, veggies, and melty cheese, this meal is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering.
With its endless customization options, this dish is bound to become a regular part of your cooking rotation. Give it a try and enjoy a flavorful, filling, and gluten-free meal that everyone will love!
