Sauce Picante
A hearty and flavorful sauce with ground meat and tomato, perfect for serving over rice. Ideal for a quick, satisfying meal with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Into a medium-sized saucepan, place ground meat, chopped onion, and tomato sauce.
- Heat on high for about 10 minutes, then simmer for approximately 20 minutes until the onion is fully cooked.
- Serve the sauce over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the sauce. If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute the lean ground meat with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegan version. Additionally, feel free to use brown rice instead of Minute rice for added nutrients. This sauce can also be customized with diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sauce Picante over a bed of fluffy rice, making it a hearty main dish. This recipe pairs beautifully with a side of Jalapeno Guacamole Dip or a fresh salad like Black Bean Salad With Mangoes-Salsa for a refreshing contrast. For added crunch, consider serving with tortilla chips or alongside a warm corn tortilla.
Storage & Reheating
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, ensuring it's heated through. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sauce Picante contains roughly 1062 calories, with 32g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (64% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1758mg per serving (76% 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 add other vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for more nutrition and flavor. Just chop them finely and add them to the saucepan with the onion and meat, allowing them to cook until tender.
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).