Spanish Rice Supper
A hearty Spanish-inspired rice dish combining savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for family dinners and satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground chuck beef ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- pinch of dried basil ⓘ
- pinch of dried oregano ⓘ
- 2 cups hot, cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 small can pimentos, cut up ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook onions and green pepper in butter about 3 minutes, until soft.
- Add ground chuck beef and cook until lightly browned.
- Stir in condensed tomato soup, water, red wine vinegar, salt, dried basil, and dried oregano, blending well.
- Stir in the cooked rice and chopped pimentos.
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mixture of ground beef and ground pork. If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can substitute the red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a milder taste. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can elevate the dish further, especially if you have them on hand. This recipe is versatile, allowing for the addition of vegetables like corn or peas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spanish Rice Supper with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavors. It pairs beautifully with a side of Stuffed Grapevine Leaves(Dolmathes) for a Mediterranean touch. For a complete meal, consider offering a light dessert like fruit salad or yogurt parfaits. A glass of red wine could complement the dish nicely as well.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it cools completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Rice Supper contains roughly 211 calories, with 8g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (130% of the Daily Value), iron (68% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1804mg per serving (78% 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 for a healthier option, but be aware that it may take longer to cook. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as brown rice typically requires about 40-45 minutes to become tender. Ensure it's fully cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! You can substitute the ground chuck beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or use beans for protein. Additionally, you can enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers. This will create a hearty and satisfying vegetarian version of the Spanish Rice Supper.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator after combining all the ingredients, then simply transfer it to the casserole dish and bake when you're ready to serve. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or gatherings, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight.
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).