Company Spanish Rice
Company Spanish Rice is a flavorful, hearty dish combining tender rice with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables. Its rich, savory taste makes it perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a comforting yet vibrant meal with a touch of spice and bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups long grain rice ⓘ
- 1 (No. 2) can tomatoes (2 1/2 cups) ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste (2/3 cup) ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/2 bay leaf ⓘ
- pinch of cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups hot water ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 large can beef bouillon ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat salad oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add crushed garlic, chopped celery, and ground beef; cook until browned, stirring constantly.
- In a separate bowl, mix rice, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, bay leaf, and cayenne pepper with hot water.
- Add the rice mixture to the skillet with the beef and vegetables; stir well.
- Cover and bring to a boil; reduce heat to low.
- Add beef bouillon to the skillet, stir to combine, and simmer until rice is tender and flavors meld, about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade beef broth instead of canned bouillon. If you want a meatless option, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils. To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice. Adjust the chili pepper to your spice preference, and feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for added nutrition. This dish is also great for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this flavorful Spanish rice as a main dish or as a side to grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Charlene'S Burritos for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness. Consider serving it alongside a simple salad or some tortilla chips for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, and warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Company Spanish Rice contains roughly 558 calories, with 15g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (208% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (148% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (116% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1659mg per serving (72% 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 different types of rice for this recipe?
While long grain rice works best for this dish, you can experiment with basmati or jasmine rice. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as they may vary. Brown rice is also an option, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
You can even freeze the cooked Spanish rice for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned.
What can I do if the rice is too dry?
If you find the rice is dry after cooking, simply add a bit more broth or water and cover the skillet. Let it steam for a few minutes until it absorbs the moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking, and adjust seasoning as needed.
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).