Garden Spanish Rice
A flavorful Spanish-inspired rice dish with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy tomato-vinegar sauce, perfect for a hearty, colorful family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the hamburger in a skillet until cooked through and drain well.
- Add rice, tomato or V-8 juice, chopped onion, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar to the skillet. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced green pepper, cucumber, and tomato. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cumin or chili powder to the skillet when cooking the hamburger. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger for a leaner option. If you're short on time, instant rice can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also enhance the dish, similar to flavors found in other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Garden Spanish Rice as a main dish or as a flavorful side alongside grilled meats or tacos. It pairs beautifully with Baked Breakfast Burritos for a hearty brunch. Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for added flavor and presentation. A simple green salad on the side complements the meal nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and cover the dish to retain moisture, warming it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Spanish Rice contains roughly 214 calories, with 6g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (205% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1893mg per serving (82% 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the hamburger and substituting it with black beans or lentils for protein. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice for a different flavor profile. This makes for a nutritious and satisfying meal while maintaining the essence of the original recipe.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Using brown rice will add more fiber and nutrients to the dish. However, you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount, as brown rice typically takes longer to cook. Follow the package instructions for the best results, ensuring the rice is tender before adding the vegetables.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost the protein content, consider adding kidney beans, black beans, or even diced chicken. You can mix these in during the last few minutes of cooking or serve them on the side. This can also make the dish more filling and satisfying, perfect for a hearty family 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).