Super Spanish Rice
Super Spanish Rice is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with vibrant Spanish-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic or 1 tsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- dash of cayenne pepper or Tabasco ⓘ
- 1 cup rice
- 1 (Number 2 1/2) can (3 1/2 cups) chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 tsp sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 lb sharp cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
- green or red bell pepper for garnish (optional) ⓘ
- black and/or green stuffed olives (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt the butter or margarine in a large skillet.
- Saute the ground beef until lightly browned and the vegetables are soft.
- Stir in the rice, chopped tomatoes, and sugar.
- When the mixture simmers, stir in the grated cheese, reserving a little for garnishing.
- Pour the mixture into a large casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour if using long grain or brown rice, or 30 minutes if using minute rice.
- Garnish with sliced bell peppers and stuffed olives if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using ground turkey instead of beef, and add additional vegetables like zucchini or corn. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or use a different hot sauce. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with black beans and add more veggies. Using minute rice can save time, as it requires less baking time.
Serving Suggestions
This Super Spanish Rice pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or your favorite Mexican recipes, such as Low-Fat Soft Tacos. Serve it with sour cream or guacamole on the side for added flavor. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside black beans or a vegetable medley. Garnish with sliced bell peppers and olives for a colorful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. Adding a splash of water can help maintain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Super Spanish Rice contains roughly 569 calories, with 10g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 638mg per serving (28% 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, but be aware that it will require a longer baking time, approximately 1 hour. Ensure to check for doneness and add a bit more liquid if necessary, as brown rice tends to absorb more moisture than white rice.
What if I don't have canned tomatoes?
If you don't have canned tomatoes, you can substitute with fresh tomatoes or use tomato sauce. If using fresh tomatoes, chop about 3-4 medium-sized ones. Adjust the sugar if necessary to balance the acidity of the sauce, and ensure you have enough liquid for cooking the rice.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step and then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
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).