Sarasota's Arroz con Queso
Recipe: #6540
September 20, 2012
Categories: Side Dishes, Tomato, Garlic, Onions, Peppers, Mexican, Southwest, 5-Minute Prep, Game/Sports Day, Potluck, Sunday Dinner, Slow Cooker, No Eggs, Vegetarian, Canned Tomatoes, more
"Found this along with a few other crock pot recipes while going through my 'ancient' hand written recipe cards. It was from a school cook book, back in Michigan - "Family Favorites ~ 1988;" I'm sure from some fundraiser. This is a really good recipe, worth sharing, and so easy to prepare. Put together in the morning, and when you come home ... it's ready. This is a wonderful side dish to accompany any main dish. Although it has a Mexican flavor, it is NOT spicy."
Original is 7 servings
Ingredients
Nutritional
- Serving Size: 1 (306.1 g)
- Calories 530.3
- Total Fat - 19.7 g
- Saturated Fat - 9.3 g
- Cholesterol - 100.5 mg
- Sodium - 2435.1 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 46 g
- Dietary Fiber - 3.4 g
- Sugars - 6 g
- Protein - 41.4 g
- Calcium - 347.8 mg
- Iron - 3 mg
- Vitamin C - 9 mg
- Thiamin - 0.7 mg
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Rice Base ... Mix the rice, tomatoes, beans, onion, garlic, green chilies, 1 cup Mexican cheese, cottage cheese, and oil in a bowl. Add to the crock pot that is lightly sprayed with a non-stick spray. Note: I crush the whole tomatoes with my hand, or you can use a fork - you just want to break them up.
Step 2
Cook ... Cover, and cook 7-9 hours on low heat. The newer crock pots cook much faster; and, this cookbook obviously was based around the older crock pots. So, I would suggest 7 hours, as this is how long mine takes. But just be aware, that cooking times can vary.
Step 3
Serve ... Transfer to a serving dish and top with the remaining cheese, and garnish with cilantro, parsley, or scallions if you want. ENJOY!
Tips
No special items needed.
Editorial Notes
The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.
- When selecting a Mexican blend cheese, look for one that has a combination of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Asadero cheeses.
- You can use either canned or fresh green chilies, depending on your preference.
- For a vegan-friendly version, substitute the Mexican blend cheese and cottage cheese with vegan cheese alternatives. The benefit of this substitution is that it makes the recipe suitable for those who follow a vegan diet.
- For a spicier version, substitute the green chilies with jalapeno peppers. The benefit of this substitution is that it adds a bit of heat to the dish, making it more flavorful.
Vegetarian Variation Omit the vegetable oil and replace the Mexican style beans with vegetarian refried beans. Increase the amount of green chilies to 6 ounces. Use a Mexican blend cheese that is suitable for vegetarians.
Vegan Variation Omit the vegetable oil, replace the Mexican style beans with vegan refried beans, and use a vegan cheese alternative. Increase the amount of green chilies to 6 ounces.
Grilled Chicken Fajitas: Grilled chicken fajitas are a great accompaniment to Sarasota's Arroz con Queso. The smoky flavor of the grilled chicken complements the Mexican flavors in the rice dish, and the crisp vegetables add a nice texture contrast. Plus, it's an easy dish to prepare on the grill or stovetop, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob is a great accompaniment to Sarasota's Arroz con Queso. The sweet, smoky flavor of the grilled corn complements the Mexican flavors in the rice dish, and its crunchy texture adds a nice contrast. It's also a quick and easy side dish to prepare on the grill or stovetop, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
FAQ
Q: How long should I cook Sarasota's Arroz con Queso in a crock pot?
A: Cook the Arroz con Queso in a crock pot on low heat for 7-9 hours. However, cooking times can vary depending on the type of crock pot you have, so keep an eye on it and adjust the time accordingly.
Q: What ingredients are in Sarasota's Arroz con Queso?
A: Sarasota's Arroz con Queso is made with long grain white rice, tomato sauce, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, bell pepper, jalapeño pepper, cilantro, and cheese.
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Fun facts:
The city of Sarasota, Florida, is where this recipe originates from. It is a popular destination for many celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey and Brad Pitt, who have visited the area.
The Mexican style beans used in this recipe are a staple in Mexican cuisine and have been around since the Aztecs. They were first introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus, and have since been a popular ingredient in many dishes.