Spanish Rice With Beef(First Place Recipe)
A flavorful Spanish-inspired rice dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and tender rice, perfect for a hearty family meal with bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, onion, and green pepper in a small Dutch oven until browned.
- Drain meat and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Wipe drippings from the pan with a paper towel.
- Return meat mixture to the Dutch oven.
- Stir in stewed tomatoes, rice, water, chili powder, oregano, salt, red pepper, and garlic salt.
- Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes or until rice is tender, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the ground chuck with a plant-based meat alternative or use extra beans. You can also add vegetables like corn or peas to enhance the dish and increase its nutritional value.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spanish Rice With Beef hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with Guacamole Dip(Avocado Dip) and a side of Refried Pinto Beans for a complete meal. For a casual gathering, consider offering tortilla chips and Penny'S Salsa as a starter.
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 mixture to prevent it from drying out, then heat in a microwave or on the stove over low heat until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Rice With Beef(First Place Recipe) contains roughly 360 calories, with 11g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (169% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value), and calcium (97% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1628mg per serving (71% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day ahead. Simply follow the recipe, let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water if needed to maintain moisture.
What can I substitute for ground chuck?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version. Just be mindful of cooking times as leaner meats may cook faster.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The recipe includes chili powder and red pepper, which can be reduced or omitted for a milder flavor. Conversely, you can add more spices or even diced jalapeños for an extra kick!
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).