Spanish Rice Mexican-Style
A flavorful Spanish-style rice dish with tender rice, savory salsa, and seasoned beef, perfect for a satisfying family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground meat in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Sauté chopped onion in the same skillet until translucent, then add mild salsa.
- Dissolve beef bouillon cubes in 1 cup of water.
- Add rice and pepper to the skillet, then pour in the bouillon mixture.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Turn off heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Mix everything together and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding diced bell peppers or corn to the rice. If you're short on beef bouillon, vegetable broth can be a great substitute. If you prefer a spicier kick, try using a jar of salsa with added heat. This dish can also be enhanced with a sprinkle of cheese or fresh cilantro before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Spanish Rice pairs beautifully with George Strait's Spanish Rice for a festive meal. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish to create a complete dinner. For a vegetarian option, consider pairing it with Sue's Guacamole Dip and a fresh salad for a lighter meal. It's also great as a filling for burritos or tacos.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice before microwaving to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Rice Mexican-Style contains roughly 341 calories, with 18g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 547mg per serving (24% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice and sauce mixture ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to serve. This can save time during busy weeknights or for meal prepping.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice generally requires a longer cooking time. You may need to adjust the water and cooking duration accordingly, typically increasing both to about 1 1/2 cups of water and 30-40 minutes of simmering time.
What can I add to make it more filling?
To make this dish more filling, consider adding black beans or kidney beans for added protein and fiber. You could also mix in cooked ground beef or shredded chicken, or top it with avocado slices for creaminess.
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).