Beef Pilaf
A hearty beef pilaf featuring savory ground beef, rice, vegetables, and a rich tomato flavor, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck in a skillet.
- Put the chopped onion, green pepper, garlic, tomato paste, hot water, salt, and pepper into a blender.
- Chop the mixture for 3 seconds until well combined.
- Mix the cooked meat, rice, and blended ingredients together.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish.
- Bake, covered, at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Sprinkle garlic salt over the top if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or paprika to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you're out of olives, capers can provide a similar briny flavor. Use leftover rice or even quinoa for a twist on this dish, which is a great way to use up pantry staples.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Beef Pilaf with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the rich flavors. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top can add a nice creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Sara'S Punch Bowl Cake for dessert, creating a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, microwaving in 1-minute intervals until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Pilaf contains roughly 239 calories, with 10g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (176% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 795mg per serving (35% 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 will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. You may need to adjust the amount of water and the baking time accordingly to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
What can I substitute for tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can use an equal amount of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, but you might want to reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly to maintain the right consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this Beef Pilaf freezes well. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best results.
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).