This Spanish Rice With Ground Beef is simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor!
For many of us, rice is a common ingredient in the meals we cook for ourselves. Rice is easy to prepare and usually cost-effective. But rice can also get boring, which is why you need to keep looking for new things to do with it. And this recipe for Spanish rice with ground beef is the perfect gateway to trying something new. It’s a super simple dish that offers a ton of flavor and texture, so you can take the humble grain of rice and elevate it to exciting new levels.
You might be surprised to learn that this Spanish rice can be made with ordinary long-grain white rice. It’s everything else in the recipe that gives it plenty of zing and flavor. There are vegetables like onions, green peppers, and tomatoes, as well as spices like chili powder and paprika. Eventually, all the ingredients get to mingle with one another in the same pot, creating a well-balanced meal that’s hearty and delicious but doesn’t take an extraordinary amount of effort to prepare.
Is Spanish Rice With Ground Beef Healthy?
This recipe can certainly be part of a healthy, balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Lean ground beef is an excellent source of protein, but it does still contain some saturated fat. White rice doesn’t contain a ton of nutrients due to how it’s been processed, but some brands may have options available that have been fortified with vitamins and minerals. Of course, you can also replace it with brown rice. The tomatoes and bell pepper, meanwhile, are a great source of folate, potassium, vitamin C, and other antioxidants.
To keep sodium levels down, make sure to choose a low-sodium beef broth for this recipe. If you wanted to keep things extra lean, you could also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey.
Spanish Rice Isn’t Really “Spanish”
You might be surprised to learn that, despite the name, Spanish rice isn’t actually Spanish. It’s a Mexican dish, also known as arroz rojo. Rice is not native to Mexico. However, it’s thought that the grain was brought to the country during Spanish colonization in the 1500s. Spain, meanwhile, likely brought the rice over from Asia.
The recipe for Spanish rice combines Mexican-inspired flavors with ground beef, a popular protein found in American kitchens. It blends Old World and New World ingredients together, and today, it’s a beloved staple, adapted in kitchens worldwide for its comforting and flavorful simplicity.
How To Make Ahead And Store
To store leftovers, allow the rice to cool to room temperature and put it in an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days. Some people choose to use the leftovers as a taco or quesadilla filling. You can also divide the leftovers into individual portions and freeze them for up to 3 months.
Serving suggestions
While hearty enough to be a main course, Spanish rice with ground beef can often be a side dish for another Mexican or Spanish dish. For instance, you can eat it alongside (or inside!) a Southwestern Breakfast Burrito or a Homemade Chipotle Burrito Bowl. If you’re more of a fan of tacos, try making Tasty Tofu Tacos or Shredded Chicken Tacos With Strawberry Salsa. Also, a good taco salad and your Spanish rice could be the perfect combination. Consider making this Quick And Healthy Taco Salad or perhaps a Taco Mason Jar Salad that’s low-carb and Paleo-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup white onion diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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