Spanish Rice(Super Healthy Version)
A hearty, healthy Spanish rice dish featuring lean beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful rice, layered with tortillas for a satisfying meal suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 5 lb lean beef, cut into bite-sized pieces ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp safflower oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, sliced ⓘ
- 2 qt water ⓘ
- 12 oz can tomato paste or 12 medium fresh tomatoes ⓘ
- 4 onions, cubed approximately 1/2-inch ⓘ
- 1 large bunch celery leaves and tops only, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped approximately 1/2-inch ⓘ
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped approximately 1/2-inch ⓘ
- 2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp black pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups converted rice or pearl barley or half each ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce from the spaghetti recipe, adding 1 tablespoon chili powder.
- In a 3 to 4-quart casserole dish, place a layer of stone ground whole corn tortillas at the bottom.
- Add a layer of the meat sauce over the tortillas.
- Repeat layering with tortillas and meat sauce until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of tortillas on top.
- Bake as desired until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using ground turkey instead of lean beef, or omit the meat altogether for a vegetarian version. If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, canned tomatoes can be used as a convenient substitute. To enhance the flavors, add spices like cumin or paprika, and feel free to adjust the chili powder to your preferred heat level.
Serving Suggestions
This Spanish Rice pairs beautifully with a bright and refreshing Mexican Salad Supper for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a side of guacamole or sour cream for a creamy contrast. Top with fresh cilantro or lime juice before serving for an added burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short increments, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Rice(Super Healthy Version) contains roughly 565 calories, with 22g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (217% of the Daily Value), iron (113% of the Daily Value), and potassium (103% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1702mg per serving (74% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the beef with a mix of beans or lentils. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a healthier option and provides more fiber. Just keep in mind that it may require a longer cooking time, so adjust the water and cooking duration accordingly.
What can I serve with Spanish Rice?
Spanish Rice is versatile and can be served alongside a variety of dishes. It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or even as a base for tacos. For a complete meal, consider the Spicy Mexican Cocktail for a refreshing drink.
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).