Meat And Rice
Meat and Rice is a hearty, comforting dish combining ground meat, rice, and creamy soups for a flavorful, savory meal perfect for family dinners. The dish offers rich flavors with a tender texture and can be easily customized with your favorite seasonings or vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground meat and chopped onion until almost done.
- Add chicken noodle soup, mushroom soup, uncooked rice, and salt to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes.
- Cover with a lid and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding garlic or your favorite spices while cooking the meat and onions. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use quinoa instead of rice for a healthier twist. If you're short on time, try using a can of Lite Cream Of Broccoli Soup instead of the mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Serve it alongside some warm bread or rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting twist, consider serving it with a side of Pumpkin Vegetable Soup for a seasonal touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat And Rice contains roughly 846 calories, with 58g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (116% of the Daily Value), iron (87% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1365mg per serving (59% 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 different types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can use various types of ground meat such as turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives. Each will impart a unique flavor, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination.
What if I want to make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, replace the ground meat with lentils or a meat substitute, and use vegetable soup instead of chicken noodle. This will maintain the hearty texture and flavors while keeping it plant-based.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it well to prevent drying out. When ready to serve, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
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).