Rice Dinner Special
A hearty, cheesy rice dish featuring green beans and meat, perfect for a comforting family dinner with rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan; stir in flour.
- Add milk slowly, stirring until smooth.
- Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Lower the heat, cook and stir the mixture longer.
- Add green beans, cheese, and meat.
- Cook over low heat for about 20 minutes, until the cheese melts, stirring to prevent sticking.
- Serve over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can substitute the green beans with other vegetables like peas or corn for variety. If you prefer a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese. To enhance the flavor, add some garlic or onion powder to the mixture. For a twist, try incorporating spices like paprika or cayenne for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish over a bed of steaming hot rice for a comforting meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. For a complete dinner experience, consider serving it alongside Scalloped Carrots With Mustard-Cheese Sauce to add a vibrant veggie side to the plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and prevent it from drying out. Warm it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Dinner Special contains roughly 864 calories, with 26g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (74% of the Daily Value), iron (70% of the Daily Value), and protein (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 478mg 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 use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any cooked meat you prefer, such as chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian substitute like tofu or tempeh for a meatless option. Just ensure that if you're using canned meat, it's drained and ready to mix in.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, to make it vegetarian, simply omit the meat and substitute with more vegetables or a plant-based protein. You could also use a vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the rice, which adds more flavor and complements the dish nicely.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for its melting properties and flavor, but feel free to experiment with other types like Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses. Just ensure that the cheese you choose melts well to achieve that creamy texture.
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).