Corrales Casserole

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2
   Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add white onion and saute until onions are tender, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add green chiles (including the juice) to the skillet. Stir and cook another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3. 3
   In a large bowl, break up cooked rice with your hands so there are no large clumps. Add onions and chiles, cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, freshly ground black pepper, 3/4 of the green onions, and 1 cup Colby Jack cheese. Stir to combine (use your hands if you need to).
4. 4
   Spray a large baking dish with cooking spray. Pour in the rice mixture, smooth out the top, and top with remaining cheese. (See note below.)
5. 5
   Bake, uncovered, at 375°F for 30 minutes. Garnish with remaining green onions.
6. 6
   Notes:
7. 7
   1. Rice can be cooked and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days before making the casserole.
8. 8
   2. Make ahead: At this point, you could cover the casserole and store in the fridge (up to 1 day ahead) until you're ready to cook it. Remove it from the fridge about 20 minutes before baking, and bake as directed above.