Creamy Chili Cheese Rice

This is a very popular dish in Texas and Arkansas - it's traditionally layered, but you know - being a working mom - didn't have time to worry about layers - just mixed it all together, and it was great!!!! Also, I use cheddar, but you can use anything!!!

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 1  cup onion, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter
• 4  cups long grain white rice, cooked
• 16  ounces sour cream
• 1  cup cottage cheese
• 1  dried bay leaf, crumbled
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 3 (4 ounce) cans green chilies, chopped and drained
• 1 1⁄2 cups cheese, shredded
• 1⁄2 cup cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Melt butter, saute onion until soft.
2. Combine all other ingredients EXCEPT the 1/2 cup cheese (that will be for the top).
3. Add butter and softened onion to the rice mixture.
4. Spread into a 2qt casserole dish, and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
5. Bake 375, covered for 25 minutes, and uncover and bake another 5 minutes.
6. (active work time includes rice cooking time).