Hamburger Spanish Rice
A hearty and flavorful Spanish-inspired rice dish combining seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and tomato sauce, perfect for a quick family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown ground beef, onion, green pepper, and rice.
- Add remaining ingredients; mix well.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 to 25 minutes or until rice is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version. You can also substitute the instant rice with brown rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Adding diced tomatoes or corn can enhance the flavor and texture. For extra heat, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hamburger Spanish Rice with a side of warm tortillas or cornbread for a complete meal. A fresh garden salad topped with avocado or a dollop of sour cream can complement the flavors nicely. This dish pairs beautifully with Becky'S Baked Beans for an inviting family dinner. For added crunch, consider serving with tortilla chips on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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, then microwave until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Spanish Rice contains roughly 407 calories, with 13g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2205mg per serving (96% 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 instant rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time. Typically, brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so you may need to adjust the water and simmering time. Be sure to check the rice for doneness, as it should be tender and fluffy.
What can I do if I don't have tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes. You could also blend fresh tomatoes to create your own sauce. Just keep in mind that using fresh tomatoes may require additional seasoning to achieve the desired flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or use cooked lentils. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. Adjust the seasonings to taste, ensuring the dish remains flavorful.
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).