Grandma'S Spanish Rice
Grandma's Spanish Rice features seasoned ground beef, flavorful tomatoes, green chilies, and melted cheese, creating a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. hamburger meat ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 minced clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 can chopped green chilies, drained ⓘ
- 1 can (16 oz.) whole tomatoes and juice
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups rice ⓘ
- parsley flakes ⓘ
- 2 cups grated cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown beef in oil, then add onions and garlic; sauté. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped green chilies, whole tomatoes with juice, chili powder, oregano, salt, and water to the beef mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in rice.
- Reduce heat to very low and cook until rice is tender, adding more water if needed.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top and let it melt before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the hamburger with black beans or lentils. Using brown rice instead of white will increase the cooking time, so adjust accordingly. For added flavor, sauté the onions and garlic until they're caramelized before adding them to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spanish rice as a hearty main dish or as a side for your favorite Mexican recipes. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or beef tacos. Top with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for added freshness. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Doritos (Taco) Salad for a crunchy contrast or as a filling in a Pork Torta.
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 to prevent it from drying out, then microwave on medium power until heated through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit more water as needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Spanish Rice contains roughly 584 calories, with 21g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), iron (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (43% of the Daily Value). 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Spanish rice up to a day in advance. Just cook it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little water if necessary to keep it moist.
What kind of cheese is best for topping?
A good melting cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack works best for this dish. If you want a more authentic taste, try using a Mexican blend cheese. You can also mix in some queso fresco for a creamy texture and added flavor.
Can I use a different type of rice?
While the recipe calls for white rice, you can use brown rice or even quinoa as a substitute. Just remember that different grains may require different cooking times and liquid ratios, so adjust the water and cooking time accordingly.
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).