Beef And Rice Espagnole
Beef and rice Espagnole combines savory ground meat with tender rice, flavored with tomatoes, olives, chili peppers, and garlic salt for a hearty, flavorful dish. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers a comforting, mildly spicy taste with cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook ground beef or pork and chopped onions until the meat is browned.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, uncooked rice, water, sliced olives, chopped green chili peppers, garlic salt, pepper, and hot pepper sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Pour into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Add cheese cubes on top, stirring just until cheese is evenly distributed.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground pork instead of beef, which can provide a different richness. You can substitute brown rice for quick-cooking rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Adding some diced bell peppers or a pinch of cumin can enhance the dish. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot pepper sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You might also serve it with warm tortillas for scooping. For a comforting twist, consider topping it with shredded cheese before serving, similar to the approach in Cheesy Meat Loaf. A dollop of sour cream can also complement the flavors wonderfully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a lid to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef And Rice Espagnole contains roughly 110 calories, with 6g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (104% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 563mg per serving (24% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time. You may need to increase the water and baking time to ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender.
What can I substitute for green chili peppers?
If you prefer a milder heat, you can substitute green bell peppers or omit them entirely. For a spicier kick, consider using jalapeños or serrano peppers. Adjust the quantity based on your heat preference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to increase the baking time slightly if you're cooking it straight from the fridge to ensure everything is heated through.
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).