Mom'S Spanish Rice
A flavorful Spanish rice dish featuring crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a comforting, quick, and satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon strips until crispy; drain most of the grease.
- Saute chopped onions in the bacon grease for a few minutes.
- Add chopped peppers and celery; cook briefly.
- Pour in the can of tomatoes and water; bring to a boil.
- Add chili powder to the boiling mixture.
- Stir in the instant rice, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top and cover until melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked bacon. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon can be used, but reduce the frying time. You can substitute instant rice with regular rice, just adjust the cooking time and water quantity accordingly. For added spice, consider including jalapeños or using a spicier chili powder. This dish is a great base for further customization, much like in other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mom's Spanish Rice as a flavorful side dish alongside grilled meats or tacos. It pairs beautifully with Pork Fajitas or can be a hearty main course when topped with additional cheese. For a complete meal, consider serving with a fresh salad or guacamole on the side for a refreshing contrast.
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 prevent the rice from drying out, then microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Spanish Rice contains roughly 633 calories, with 24g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (48% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1271mg per serving (55% 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of water. You can add mushrooms or other vegetables to enhance the flavor profile. For added richness, consider including a plant-based cheese alternative.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when sautéing the vegetables. You can also use a spicier chili powder or add cayenne pepper to the mix. Adjust to your heat preference for a personalized touch.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh tomatoes, you'll need about 2-3 medium tomatoes, chopped, and add a bit of water to replace the tomato juice. Make sure to cook them until softened before adding the rice for the best results.
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).