Mexican Brown Rice Bake – Gluten-Free

### Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.

2. **Sauté Vegetables**
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. **Combine Ingredients**
In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked sautéed vegetables, rinsed brown rice, black beans, corn, salsa, vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), and salt and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the rice and vegetables are evenly mixed.

4. **Bake**
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and check the rice for tenderness. If the rice isn’t fully cooked, return it to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, adding a bit more broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.

5. **Add Cheese**
Once the rice is tender and cooked through, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. **Serve and Garnish**
Once the cheese is melted, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and enjoy!

### Tips for Success:

– **Rice Texture**: Make sure to use brown rice, as white rice may not cook the same way in this recipe. Brown rice adds a chewy texture that complements the other ingredients.
– **Add Some Heat**: If you like spice, feel free to add some diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you sauté the vegetables.
– **Make Ahead**: This dish can be assembled a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
– **Vegan Version**: To make this recipe vegan, simply skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

### Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
– Calories: 320
– Carbs: 52g
– Protein: 9g
– Fat: 10g
– Fiber: 7g

### Why You’ll Love It:

This Mexican Brown Rice Bake is an all-in-one meal that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. The combination of healthy brown rice, beans, and vegetables creates a nutritious dish that’s satisfying and filling. Plus, with the melt-in-your-mouth cheese topping, it’s an irresistible comfort food. Whether you’re gluten-free or simply looking for a fresh take on Mexican-inspired meals, this bake is a winner!

Enjoy a warm and cozy meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week!