Quick Spanish Beef And Rice

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Spanish

A quick and flavorful Spanish-inspired beef and rice dish featuring savory tomato sauce, chili, and hearty ground beef, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 medium green pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 c. regular rice, uncooked
  • 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
  • 1 3/4 c. hot water
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • dash of pepper
  • 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. mustard
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef; drain excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and rice to vegetable oil in a large skillet.
  3. Stir over high heat until rice is lightly browned.
  4. Add cooked ground beef, tomato sauce, hot water, salt, pepper, chili powder, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
  5. Bring quickly to a boil.
  6. Cover tightly and simmer until rice is tender.

Tips & Substitutions

For a quicker cooking time, consider using instant rice instead of regular rice, which will save you some simmering time. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce on hand, soy sauce can be used as a substitute. Feel free to add in other vegetables like corn or peas for added nutrition and color. Spice it up with a bit of cayenne if you like it hot.

Serving Suggestions

This Quick Spanish Beef and Rice dish is perfect on its own, but you can serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top can enhance the flavor. For a delightful contrast, consider pairing it with Dan'S Authentic Polish Pigs In A Blanket for a fun, fusion dinner.

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 skillet and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway for even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Quick Spanish Beef And Rice contains roughly 521 calories, with 11g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (46% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2485mg per serving (108% of the Daily Value).

521 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11g 22% DV
Total Fat 7.7g 10% DV
Carbs 103.4g 38% DV
Fiber 7.5g 27% DV
Sugar 4.3g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2485.5mg 100% DV
Potassium 602.4mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 1.9mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 247.5mcg 28% DV
Vitamin C 10.2mg 11% DV
Calcium 118.6mg 9% DV
Iron 8.4mg 46% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-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 it will require a longer cooking time and additional water. Be sure to adjust the simmering time to ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender. Typically, brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook.

What can I do if the rice is still hard after simmering?

If the rice is still hard, it may need more liquid or cooking time. Add a little more hot water, cover the skillet, and continue to simmer on low heat, checking periodically until the rice is tender and fully cooked.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It's a great meal prep option. Just reheat and serve when you're ready. The flavors even improve after sitting for a day, making it a delicious leftover meal.

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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