Beefy Spanish Rice
A hearty and flavorful Spanish rice dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a savory tomato-based sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for family dinners, offering bold flavors with a hint of chili and herbs. Served with crusty French bread, it makes a satisfying and complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 c. uncooked long grain rice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste ⓘ
- French bread ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic until the meat is browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in stewed tomatoes, water, uncooked rice, salt, chili powder, dried thyme, dried basil, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Stir in tomato paste and heat through.
- Serve hot with French bread on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder to 1 tsp. or add diced jalapeños. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you don't have stewed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with herbs can work well. Consider adding frozen peas or corn for extra veggies. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Beefy Spanish Rice hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. It pairs beautifully with crusty French bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside a spicy bean dish or a refreshing cucumber salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beefy Spanish Rice contains roughly 757 calories, with 16g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (82% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1310mg per serving (57% 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 substitute brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and add more water, as brown rice typically takes longer to cook. Check the package instructions for exact ratios and timing.
What can I add to make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use beans like black beans or kidney beans. You can also add more vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Beefy Spanish Rice a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you're ready to serve. The flavors can deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.
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).