Daddy'S Favorite Spanish Rice
A hearty, flavorful Spanish rice dish combining ground beef, vegetables, and tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual dinner with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt fat in a skillet.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, ground beef, and raw rice to the skillet.
- Stir over high heat until lightly browned.
- Add tomato sauce and stir well.
- Add salt, mustard (if using), and hot water; mix thoroughly.
- Bring quickly to a boil, then reduce heat and cover lightly.
- Simmer for 25 minutes, or 10 minutes if using precooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using olive oil instead of fat and adding spices like cumin or paprika. If you're out of tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or tomato paste diluted with water can work as substitutes. For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef with lentils or seasoned cooked quinoa. Ensure the rice is rinsed before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Daddy's Favorite Spanish Rice with a side of warm tortillas or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Beef Stroganoff In Baked Potatoes for a hearty dinner. Consider adding toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor. This dish also works well as a filling for burritos or stuffed peppers.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Spanish rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and cover, heating in the microwave until warmed through, or stir in a pan over low heat until hot. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Daddy'S Favorite Spanish Rice contains roughly 1532 calories, with 40g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (81% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so increase the simmering time to about 45 minutes and add more water as needed.
What can I add to make this dish more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like chili powder, garlic powder, or even a bay leaf while it simmers. You could also incorporate vegetables such as corn or peas for added nutrition and texture.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or cooked lentils. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of water for more flavor, and add your favorite vegetables for a hearty meal.
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).