Looking for a simple and budget-friendly one pot meal to add some flavor to your dinner table? Look no further than Spanish rice with ground beef! This classic dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
What is Spanish Rice with ground beef?
Spanish rice with ground beef, often referred to as Mexican rice, is a vibrant and tasty side dish that combines white rice with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and an array of spices. This dish is a fundamental part of both Mexican and Spanish cooking, typically enjoyed with beans, grilled meats, or used as a stuffing for burritos and tacos.
How to make Spanish Rice with Ground Beef
Cooking time: 60 minutes
- Ingredients:
- white long grain rice
- 2 cans of Unico diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- pepper to taste
- 1 can tomato sauce
- Olive oil
- Lean ground beef
- Mixed California vegetables
Instructions:
- Utilize an 8-quart stainless steel pot.
- Brown 1 pound of lean ground beef along with 2 medium-sized onions until thoroughly cooked.
- Remove any excess fat and oil from the mixture of beef and onions, then return it to the pot.
- Subsequently, incorporate 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil into the beef and onion mixture.
- Add 2 cans of diced tomatoes and 1 can of tomato paste.
- In a separate pot, pre-cook 2-3 cups of your preferred vegetables; we recommend using California Mix to discreetly include vegetables in children’s diets.
- Once the vegetables are tender, drain them in a strainer and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
- For the next step, a food processor is recommended, although a blender or manual chopping can also be employed.
- Transfer the pre-cooked vegetables to the food processor and chop them until finely diced.
- Add the diced vegetables to the pot containing the beef, onions, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
- Next, pour in 4 cups of water.
- Season the mixture with garlic, paprika, or a touch of chili powder according to your taste preferences.
- Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Then, introduce 4 cups of long-grain rice into the mixture.
- Stir well, then set the stove to low to medium heat and cover with a lid.
- Allow the dish to cook until the rice reaches your desired tenderness.
- Note: You may need to add a small amount of water during cooking to ensure even rice preparation.
- Once all the water has evaporated and the rice is fully cooked, the dish is complete!
- Let it rest for 5 minutes to set and cool.
For extra flavor, consider adding in chopped bell peppers, corn, or black beans. Top your Spanish rice with some shredded cheese, and sour cream for extra flavor. Pair it with a side salad or some warm tortillas for a complete meal. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.
Finding Ways to Use Leftovers:
Making the most of your leftovers can be a fun and inventive process. Rather than letting that extra Spanish rice with ground beef sit unused, consider transforming it into something fresh and exciting.
How to Make Bell Stuffed Peppers:
Ingredients:
– Spanish rice with ground beef
– Bell peppers
– Cheese
Instructions:
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F.
2. Carefully slice the tops off the bell peppers and take out the seeds and membranes.
3. Mix in the leftover Spanish rice.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the rice mixture and arrange them in a baking dish.
5. Sprinkle cheese on top of each pepper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are soft and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tex-Mex Beef Quesadillas
A fantastic and simple way to repurpose leftover beef Spanish rice is by making Tex-Mex beef quesadillas. Just take a good scoop of the rice and place it on a tortilla, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top, then fold the tortilla over. Cook it in a skillet until it’s beautifully golden and crispy. Pair it with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy.
Beef and Rice Stuffed Tomatoes
If you’re looking for a light and refreshing way to use up leftover Spanish rice with ground beef, consider preparing beef and rice stuffed tomatoes. Start by slicing the tops off large tomatoes and carefully removing the insides. Then, fill each tomato with the flavorful rice mixture. Bake them in the oven until the tomatoes become tender and the filling is warmed throughout. This delightful dish is ideal for a summer gathering and is bound to impress your guests.
Beef Spanish Rice Casserole
Combine your leftover Spanish rice with ground beef with mixed beans. Pour this blend into a baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Bake it in the oven until the cheese is gooey and golden. Pair it with tortilla chips for a satisfying and cozy meal.
Leftover Beef Spanish Rice Burritos
Start by heating some tortillas, then place the leftover beef Spanish rice in the center. Top it off with beans, cheese, and any other toppings you love. Roll them tightly, and you’ll have a delightful and satisfying meal with these beef Spanish rice burritos. Enjoy!
Closing comments
Spanish rice with ground beef is a wonderful choice for anyone seeking a budget-friendly, simple, and tasty meal. With only a handful of easy-to-find ingredients and little preparation time, you can whip up a hearty dish in a flash. So, when you’re in the mood for a quick and delightful dinner, consider giving this recipe a go!
Oh yum, Spanish rice is such a delicious dish!