Mexican Artichokes
Mexican Artichokes feature tender boiled artichokes combined with spicy ground beef, onions, and tomato sauce, served over rice for a flavorful, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut off stems at the bottom of the artichokes and remove the top stems.
- Use scissors to cut off the sharp points of the remaining leaves.
- Pull off the tough, bottom row of leaves from each artichoke.
- Submerge the artichokes in water in a large saucepan and boil for 40 minutes, or microwave them according to your oven's cookbook.
- Check if they are done when a leaf can be pulled off easily, then drain upside down and cool.
- Meanwhile, cook 2 cups of rice to yield 4 cups cooked rice.
- In a skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef and 1 minced yellow onion until browned.
- Add 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce and 1 Tbsp hot chili sauce, stirring well.
- Chop cilantro and add to the beef mixture.
- Serve the cooked beef mixture over the prepared rice and with the boiled artichokes on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the artichokes, you can add lemon juice or garlic to the boiling water. If you don’t have ground hamburger, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. For extra spice, consider using diced jalapeños in the beef mixture or topping with fresh avocado. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to fit your taste preferences, similar to other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef mixture over the rice for a hearty meal, and place the boiled artichokes on the side for a fun, interactive addition. A fresh cilantro garnish adds color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Supreme Refried Beans or a light salad, making for a well-rounded meal. Consider offering tortillas on the side for a Tex-Mexican twist.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave the rice and beef mixture separately until heated through, and serve with the artichokes cold or gently warmed. Avoid reheating the artichokes too much as they can become tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Artichokes contains roughly 458 calories, with 31g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (748% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (114% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 597mg per serving (26% 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 prepare the artichokes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the artichokes a day in advance. Boil them and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat them briefly in hot water or the microwave to warm up before plating.
Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground hamburger with a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms and beans for a hearty vegetarian filling. The rice and artichokes remain a delicious base for these options.
What can I serve with this dish to enhance the meal?
Consider serving a side of guacamole or a fresh pico de gallo to brighten the flavors. For a complete meal, you might also enjoy pairing it with a side of Mexican Street Corn or chips with Super Nacho Dip.
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).