Rice-A-Roni Hot Dish
A hearty and flavorful hot dish combining ground beef, savory Rice-A-Roni, and sweet corn, perfect for quick weeknight dinners and satisfying comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add the Rice-A-Roni package and prepare according to the package directions.
- When 5 minutes of cooking time remain, add the can of whole kernel corn.
- Serve hot for a quick, easy, and tasty meal.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing some diced onions or garlic with the ground beef. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter dish. If you want some extra veggies, bell peppers or diced tomatoes can be mixed in during cooking. For a twist, try pairing this dish with the Easy Beef Hash for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot and consider garnishing with shredded cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor. It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside crusty bread or rolls. This dish also complements perfectly with the Easy Red Chili for a satisfying family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also add a splash of water to keep the dish moist while reheating. Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice-A-Roni Hot Dish contains roughly 406 calories, with 23g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 488mg per serving (21% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ground beef and Rice-A-Roni mixture ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to serve. Just remember to add the corn during the last few minutes of reheating to keep it fresh and flavorful.
What can I use instead of Rice-A-Roni?
If you don't have Rice-A-Roni, you can use any flavored rice mix or plain rice, adjusting the cooking time according to the package instructions. Adding your own seasonings, like onion powder or garlic salt, can help achieve a similar taste.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked dish for up to 2 months. Ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
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).