Spanish Rice (Beef And Rice Casserole)
A flavorful beef and rice casserole with tomatoes, green beans, and spices, perfect for a hearty and quick family meal with bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In at least a 2 1/2-quart microwave-proof dish with cover, crumble the ground beef and cook on High for 3 minutes.
- Stir and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Drain if desired.
- Ensure the cooked meat is crumbled well.
- Add remaining ingredients, including the chopped tomatoes, and stir.
- Microwave on High for 10 minutes.
- Stir and cook on 20% power for 10 minutes.
- Stir and cook on 70% power for 5 to 6 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
Tips & Substitutions
For a bit of extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to the mixture. If you don't have stewed tomatoes, diced tomatoes or tomato sauce can be used as a substitute. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Experiment with adding other vegetables like corn or bell peppers to boost the nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spanish Rice casserole with a side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added flavor. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside grilled chicken or a side of Mean Beans for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also add a splash of water if the dish seems dry, which helps to steam the rice back to tenderness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Rice (Beef And Rice Casserole) contains roughly 464 calories, with 17g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (159% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value), and iron (75% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 36g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so plan for an additional 10-15 minutes in the microwave at a lower power setting to ensure it becomes tender.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils. Ensure you adjust the cooking time slightly and consider adding extra vegetables to maintain the dish's flavor and texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mixture. You can also top the casserole with sliced fresh chili peppers before serving for an extra kick. Adjust the amount based on your personal heat preference.
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).