Thelma'S Texas Hash
A hearty Texan dish featuring ground beef, rice, and vegetables, flavored with Worcestershire, chili powder, and hot sauce for a savory, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place bacon drippings, chopped onions, and chopped green peppers in a large skillet.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring with a fork to break up the ground beef until lightly browned.
- Add black pepper, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, canned tomatoes, rice, water, chili powder, salt, and hot sauce to the skillet.
- Mix well; pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Cover with a lid or foil and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Stir the dish twice during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade bacon drippings or substituting with olive oil if needed. You can replace ground beef with turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version. Adjust the level of hot sauce to match your heat preference. Adding a splash of lemon juice before serving can brighten the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Thelma's Texas Hash hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Jan's Cream Of Fresh Mushroom Soup for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water if the dish seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thelma'S Texas Hash contains roughly 314 calories, with 10g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (328% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 956mg per serving (42% 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 substitute brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time. You may need to increase the water amount and bake it a bit longer to ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if starting from the fridge.
What type of tomatoes should I use in this recipe?
Canned diced tomatoes are ideal for this recipe as they add texture and flavor. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use crushed tomatoes instead. Just avoid using whole canned tomatoes, as they won't break down as nicely in the dish.
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).