Western Hash
Western Hash is a hearty, comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and rice simmered in tomatoes and topped with melted American cheese. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers bold flavors and satisfying textures in a single flavorful casserole.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown onions, bell pepper, and beef in a large skillet.
- Add canned tomatoes, basil, rice, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Cover with slices of American cheese.
- Heat in an oven at 350°F until the cheese melts.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker cooking time, consider using pre-cooked rice or leftover rice from a previous meal. You can substitute the ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Adding a dash of hot sauce can enhance the flavor. If you don't have American cheese, cheddar or mozzarella would also work well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Western Hash with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Beef Stew - Oven Baked or can be topped with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. This dish is perfect for brunch or dinner.
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 heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and the cheese is melted.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Western Hash contains roughly 635 calories, with 14g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1556mg per serving (68% 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; however, you'll need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook. Consider adding more liquid to ensure the rice finishes cooking properly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. You may also want to use vegetable broth instead of canned tomatoes for added flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who like a kick in their meal.
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).