Wetbacks
A hearty, flavorful ground beef and rice dish seasoned with chili and cumin, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking bold, savory tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger and chopped onions in a Dutch oven or large skillet, then drain excess fat.
- Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, chili powder, cumin seed, salt, and oregano to the browned meat and onions.
- Simmer the mixture for 30 minutes.
- Separately cook 1 cup of regular rice according to package instructions.
- Add the cooked rice to the meat mixture and stir well.
- Cook for another 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare Ranch-style dressing as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a diced bell pepper or some minced garlic when browning the meat and onions. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a bit of cayenne pepper. For a healthier twist, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger. This dish can also be adapted with quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with prepared Ranch-style dressing drizzled on top for added flavor. It pairs well with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for crunch. Consider serving a fresh salad or steamed vegetables alongside to balance the richness. For a themed dinner, browse more Mexican recipes to create a full meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, ensuring it’s heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wetbacks contains roughly 1873 calories, with 85g protein, 270g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (291% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and protein (170% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2957mg per serving (129% 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 a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as lean alternatives to beef. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure it's cooked thoroughly. You could also try using shredded pork for a different flavor profile.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the hamburger with plant-based ground meat or lentils. Ensure to adjust the cooking time as needed, and consider adding extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
What can I do if the dish is too spicy for my taste?
If the dish turns out too spicy, you can balance the heat by adding more tomato sauce or a bit of sugar to cut through the spice. Additionally, serving it with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt can help tame the heat.
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).