Ground Beef And Spanish Rice
A hearty and flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef with savory Spanish rice, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain any excess fat.
- Saute chopped onion and green pepper in butter until tender.
- Add the cooked beef to the sautéed vegetables.
- Stir in chili powder, water, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, salt, and thyme if using.
- Add the rice to the mixture and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until rice is tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground chuck instead of lean ground beef. You can substitute the green pepper with a red bell pepper for a sweeter taste. If you want to add some heat, diced jalapeños work well too. This dish can also be made vegetarian by replacing the beef with black beans, making it a delightful variation of Mexican recipes like Chilli Con Carne.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of warm tortillas and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mexican Rice Pilaf for added flavor and texture. For an extra touch, top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices, enhancing the overall presentation and taste.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking, and cover until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Beef And Spanish Rice contains roughly 581 calories, with 10g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2730mg per serving (119% 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 converted rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and increase the amount of water to about 2 cups. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so simmer for about 40-45 minutes until tender.
What can I do if the rice is undercooked?
If the rice is undercooked after the initial cooking time, add a bit more water, cover it, and continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. This should help the rice absorb the remaining liquid and become tender.
Can I make this dish in advance for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook it ahead of time and store it in portioned containers. Just reheat when ready to eat, and it will still taste delicious. It’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
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).