Texas Rice Bake
A hearty Texan casserole combining ground beef, rice, and savory tomatoes with olives and seasonings for a flavorful, family-friendly meal with bold southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in cooking oil in a skillet.
- Add chopped olives, chopped onion, diced celery, chopped green pepper, and rice; sauté together until fragrant.
- Add canned tomatoes, water, salt, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper; bring to a full boil.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 x 2-inch casserole dish.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground turkey. Chopped jalapeños can also bring some heat. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with black beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of water. Adjust the spices according to your taste. This dish is versatile; feel free to add in other vegetables like corn or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Texas Rice Bake with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Meatball Nibblers for a fun dinner spread. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Rice Bake contains roughly 231 calories, with 4g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1639mg 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 freeze Texas Rice Bake?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This makes for an easy meal prep option.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. For a vegetarian option, black beans or lentils work well. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using alternatives that cook differently than beef.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers during the sautéing process. You can also incorporate hot sauce into the mixture or serve with spicy salsa on the side to cater to spice lovers.
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).