Mexicalli Rice
Mexicalli Rice is a flavorful one-pan dish combining seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and rice in a savory tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef until lightly browned.
- Add chopped onion and green peppers; cook until tender.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add water, rice, tomato sauce, mustard, and salt; mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 35 minutes.
- Stir occasionally until the rice is cooked and tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or chili powder to the mix. If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or even a plant-based substitute can work well. You can also swap out white rice for brown rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. This recipe is versatile, much like other Mexican recipes, allowing for ingredient swaps based on what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mexicalli Rice as a hearty main dish or as a side alongside grilled chicken or fish. For added flavor, top it with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. This dish pairs beautifully with Hot Frijole Dip for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a side salad or tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the Mexicalli Rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For reheating, add a splash of water to the skillet to prevent sticking, and heat over medium until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexicalli Rice contains roughly 10 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time. Typically, brown rice will take about 45-50 minutes to cook, so you may need to adjust the water and cooking duration accordingly to ensure it becomes tender.
What can I add to make it vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils. You can also add more vegetables such as zucchini, corn, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture while keeping it filling. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you add raw vegetables.
Can I freeze Mexicalli Rice?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the Mexicalli Rice cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave until heated through.
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).