Spanish Rice Crock-Pot Style
A hearty and flavorful Spanish rice dish cooked in a crock-pot, combining ground beef, tomatoes, peppers, and spices for a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain off excess fat.
- Put all ingredients, including cooked beef, into the crock-pot and stir thoroughly.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours or on high for about 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute the green pepper with diced zucchini or corn for a twist. Feel free to adjust the chili powder to your spice preference, and if you have leftover cooked rice, add it in during the last hour of cooking to absorb the flavors. This dish is a great way to use leftover vegetables as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Spanish rice alongside a fresh green salad or with warm tortillas for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Classic Mexican Burrito for a filling dinner. Top with shredded cheese, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. This dish also makes a great filling for burritos or tacos, if desired.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Spanish rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Rice Crock-Pot Style contains roughly 456 calories, with 9g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2181mg per serving (95% 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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so it may require an additional hour in the crock-pot. Be sure to add enough liquid, as brown rice absorbs more water than white rice.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with your favorite plant-based protein, such as lentils or black beans. You may also want to add more vegetables like chopped mushrooms or additional bell peppers for texture and flavor.
Can I freeze the leftover Spanish rice?
Absolutely! Allow the rice to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed for best results.
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).