Rice Veracruz
A flavorful Mexican-inspired rice dish with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, olives, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute ground beef, chopped onions, and sliced green pepper in oil in a Corning Ware dish. Stir for 5 minutes until browned and onions are tender.
- Add canned tomatoes, condensed beef consomme, salt, and half of the sliced black olives.
- Bring the mixture slowly to a boil.
- Stir in the uncooked long grain rice and cook for 5 minutes, covered.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Uncover the dish, stir in shredded Cheddar cheese and remaining olives.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute the canned tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes for a fresher taste. If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. This dish is versatile; feel free to include other vegetables like corn or zucchini to enhance its nutritional value.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Rice Veracruz with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh garden salad or Mexican-style corn can complement the dish nicely. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Beef Picante Casserole for a hearty meal option. Drizzle with lime juice or garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Rice Veracruz can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave on medium power until heated through, or place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Ensure it's heated evenly to maintain the texture of the rice and cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Veracruz contains roughly 561 calories, with 15g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2573mg per serving (112% 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 Rice Veracruz a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a combination of black beans and diced vegetables such as zucchini and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef consomme, and it will still be delicious while catering to vegetarian diets.
What can I serve with Rice Veracruz?
Rice Veracruz pairs well with a side of refried beans or a corn salad for a complete meal. You might also consider serving it alongside guacamole and sour cream for added flavor. It’s a hearty dish that can stand alone or be complemented with lighter sides.
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).