Austin Spanish Rice
A flavorful Spanish rice dish with ground beef, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute rice in oleo until light brown.
- Saute ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped green bell pepper until meat is done.
- Add salt, black pepper, cumin, tomatoes with chilies or whole tomatoes, and chili powder to the meat mixture.
- Mix together and add water.
- Cook for 5 minutes, then mix in the rice mixture.
- Place in a covered casserole dish.
- Bake, covered, in a 350°F oven for 1 to 1 1/4 hours.
- Serve with a green salad and hot garlic French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly different flavor, consider using brown rice instead of white, but increase the cooking time. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils. Adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference, and add some corn for sweetness. This dish can also be enhanced with a sprinkle of cheese on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Austin Spanish Rice is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a green salad and hot garlic French bread. You can also serve it alongside Jeanne's Mexican Cornbread for a heartier meal. For added flavor, top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. It makes a great base for a taco night, too.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to keep the rice moist and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water if necessary to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Austin Spanish Rice contains roughly 261 calories, with 15g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (49% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1380mg per serving (60% 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 use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be aware that it requires a longer cooking time, about 40-45 minutes. You may need to adjust the water amount and ensure it's fully cooked before mixing with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for ground beef in this recipe?
For a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, use black beans, lentils, or textured vegetable protein. Adjust the spices accordingly to ensure the flavors are well balanced.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking stage and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
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).