South Of The Border Rice
A flavorful and hearty Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground meat, spicy tomato and picante sauces, served over fluffy instant rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground meat and chopped onion in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add salt, pepper, tomato sauce, picante sauce, and chicken bouillon cube to the meat mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- While the meat mixture simmers, prepare the instant rice according to package instructions.
- Serve the meat mixture over cooked rice.
- Optional: serve with tortilla chips and refried beans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. If you have leftovers, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the meat. Additionally, using whole grain instant rice can boost the health factor while still being quick to prepare. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast, and consider adding refried beans on the side for a complete meal. A fresh green salad or guacamole can also enhance the dining experience. This dish pairs beautifully with Relleno De Pollo for a festive 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. If the mixture seems dry, adding a splash of water or broth can help restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South Of The Border Rice contains roughly 372 calories, with 40g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (80% of the Daily Value), iron (67% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2837mg per serving (123% 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 for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a healthier twist. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly depending on the meat used.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this rice dish vegetarian, simply omit the ground meat and replace it with a mix of black beans and corn for added protein and texture. You can also increase the amount of vegetables to enhance the nutritional value without losing flavor.
What can I do if I don't have picante sauce?
If you don't have picante sauce on hand, you can substitute it with salsa or a combination of diced tomatoes and hot sauce for a similar flavor profile. Adjust the spices to your liking to maintain the intended taste.
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).