Aunt Mary Starr Stuff
A hearty, comforting rice dish with savory hamburger, tomato sauce, and herbs, perfect for family dinners and versatile with seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rice according to directions.
- In a large frying pan, sauté onion and hamburger until cooked.
- Add tomato sauce to the hamburger mixture.
- When the rice is cooked, toss it into the hamburger mixture.
- Mix well to combine.
- Season to taste with salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, or any preferred herbs.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the hamburger mixture. If you're out of Ragu, any jarred marinara or tomato sauce works great as a substitute. You can also use cooked quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different texture. For those who want a little kick, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil or parsley. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve it in a baked potato or as a filling for stuffed peppers for a different presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Mary Starr Stuff contains roughly 473 calories, with 13g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1095mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hamburger mixture and rice ahead of time. Just combine them and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat and enjoy. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
What can I substitute for hamburger?
Ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes for hamburger if you're looking for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, use lentils, black beans, or crumbled tempeh seasoned well to mimic the flavors of the meat.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the microwave or on the stove.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).