Spanish Rice Tortilla Pie
A flavorful Spanish-inspired rice tortilla pie layered with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and salsa, perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rice according to directions, but only cook for 10 minutes.
- Brown the ground lean beef lightly, but do not cook through.
- Drain any excess fat, then add cooked rice to the beef.
- Stir in tomato paste, cumin, water, chopped onion, and salt, mixing all ingredients well.
- Portion about 1/3 of the mixture into an 8 1/2 x 1 x 2-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish.
- Lay one flour tortilla over the mixture, tucking sides in as required.
- Repeat layering with remaining mixture and tortillas.
- Spread mild salsa evenly over the top of the final layer, then sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using a medium or hot salsa instead of mild. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to make it lighter. If you don’t have Uncle Ben’s rice, any long-grain rice will work. To save time, precook your rice in advance, or use leftover rice. This dish can also be customized with additional vegetables or beans for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Spanish Rice Tortilla Pie pairs beautifully with a side salad or Mexican corn on the cob for a complete meal. You can also serve it with guacamole or sour cream for added creaminess. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños. This dish is an excellent choice for potlucks or family gatherings, where it can be enjoyed by all.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high, ensuring they remain moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Rice Tortilla Pie contains roughly 11 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding black beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables instead. This will enhance the flavor and texture while keeping it hearty and satisfying.
How do I prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy?
To prevent soggy tortillas, ensure the filling is not too wet before layering. You can also lightly toast the tortillas in a dry skillet for a minute on each side before assembling. This adds a nice texture and helps them hold up better during baking.
What can I serve as a side with this dish?
Consider serving this tortilla pie with a simple green salad for a fresh contrast. You can also add a side of refried beans or Mexican-style corn to enhance the meal. For drinks, a refreshing iced tea or a light Mexican beer would complement the flavors well.
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).