One-Dish Meal With Beef

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A hearty one-dish meal combining ground beef, rice, beans, and tomatoes, seasoned with garlic and pepper, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1/4 c. chopped onions
  • 4 Tbsp. shortening
  • 1 c. uncooked rice
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 cloves garlic (optional, if using fresh garlic)
  • 1 can red kidney beans
  • 1 Tbsp. black pepper

Instructions

  1. Saute beef and onions in shortening until browned.
  2. Add rice and cook until lightly browned.
  3. Add remaining ingredients: kidney beans, tomatoes, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  4. Cook until steaming hot, then cover and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef with a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you don't have ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can be a healthier substitute. To enhance the dish, add bell peppers or corn for additional veggies. For a spicy kick, include jalapeños or hot sauce. Pair it with a fresh side salad like Wonderful Cole Slaw for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this one-dish meal hot, garnished with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro. It pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a light salad. For a heartier option, top with shredded cheese or avocado slices. This dish is great for meal prep; consider making a double batch for quick lunches throughout the week!

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the rice. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of One-Dish Meal With Beef contains roughly 631 calories, with 17g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2224mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).

631 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.7g 33% DV
Total Fat 33g 42% DV
Carbs 70.7g 26% DV
Fiber 12.8g 46% DV
Sugar 7.6g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2223.8mg 97% DV
Potassium 755.9mg 16% DV
Cholesterol 1.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 105.6mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 32.4mg 36% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 134.3mg 10% DV
Iron 6.7mg 37% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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 you'll need to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook. Increase the simmering time to about 40-45 minutes and check for doneness. The flavor will be nuttier, adding a nice depth to the dish.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or omit it altogether and add more beans or lentils for protein. Ensure to adjust seasonings for flavor, and you might want to add extra vegetables for added texture and taste.

What can I add to make it spicier?

To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce during cooking. You could also serve it with a side of spicy salsa or mix in some chipotle powder for a smoky flavor. Adjust to your spice tolerance!

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).

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