Mexican Build-Up
A hearty Mexican-inspired ground beef and rice dish with bold tomato flavors, seasoned with spices and perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 cans water (from tomato paste cans) ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can tomatoes and green chilies ⓘ
- 1 tsp. powdered oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin seed
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 medium cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Crumble the ground beef into a skillet and brown it.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Drain off the grease from the skillet.
- Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, tomatoes with green chilies, oregano, cumin seed, salt, sugar, and minced garlic (if using). Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the rice is cooked and the mixture is thick, about 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef with some Mexican Seasoning Mix For Chili Or Tacos. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option, or use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free version. Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or using a spicier variety of canned tomatoes. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also enhance the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with warm tortillas or over a bed of lettuce for a fresh twist. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced avocado for added richness. It pairs beautifully with Stovetop Mexican Casserole for a complete meal. Consider a side of refried beans or a simple salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the mixture, cover, and warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This will help to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Build-Up contains roughly 943 calories, with 40g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (131% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2452mg per serving (107% 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 white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. You may need to add additional water and simmer for about 50-60 minutes instead of the 40 minutes specified for white rice.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a mix of beans, lentils, or textured vegetable protein. Adjust the cooking time as needed, and ensure to add enough seasoning to keep the flavors vibrant.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be creatively repurposed into burritos, tacos, or even served over nachos. Simply reheat and add your favorite toppings. They also make a great filling for stuffed peppers or a base for a hearty soup.
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).