Savory Beef Spanish Rice Bowl
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Savory Beef Spanish Rice Bowl, a hearty one-dish meal that's perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Combining seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic spices, this dish comes together effortlessly with rice soaked in a savory tomato sauce. Complete with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, inspiring you to share the warmth of home-cooked goodness with loved ones.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
green bell pepper
1 (chopped)
onion
1 (chopped)
rice
1 cup (uncooked)
beef broth
1 cup (liquid)
tomato sauce
15 oz (canned)
tomato paste
3 oz (canned)
diced tomatoes
15 oz (canned and undrained)
diced green chilies
2 oz (canned and undrained)
garlic clove
1 (finely chopped)
black pepper
1 dash
red pepper flakes
1 dash
fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped (for garnish))
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped green bell pepper, and onion. Sauté until the beef is browned and no longer pink, and the onions have become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Drain excess fat from the skillet, then return the mixture to the heat.
3
Stir in the rice, beef broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with juice), diced green chilies, and minced garlic. Season with a dash of black pepper and red pepper flakes to your preference.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
5
Once done, remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Beef Spanish Rice Bowl?
The Savory Beef Spanish Rice Bowl is a hearty one-dish meal featuring seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, and rice simmered in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic spices.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1 pound of ground beef, which is browned before simmering with the other ingredients.
How long does it take to cook the beef and vegetables?
Sautéing the ground beef, green bell pepper, and onion takes approximately 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
Should I drain the fat from the ground beef?
Yes, after browning the beef with the peppers and onions, you should drain the excess fat before adding the rice and liquids.
What kind of rice should I use?
The recipe requires 1 cup of uncooked rice. Standard long-grain white rice is typically best for this type of one-pot dish.
What liquids are needed to cook the rice in this bowl?
You will need 1 cup of beef broth and 15 ounces of tomato sauce, along with the liquid from the canned diced tomatoes.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes and green chilies?
No, both the diced tomatoes and the diced green chilies should be added undrained, as their juice is needed to help cook the rice.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses one finely chopped garlic clove to add aromatic flavor to the dish.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish has a mild heat from the diced green chilies and red pepper flakes, which you can adjust to your own preference.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should be covered and simmered on low heat for 30 minutes, or until it has fully absorbed the liquid.
Should the dish sit after cooking?
Yes, once the simmering is complete, remove it from the heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
After the 5-minute rest, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish it generously with 1/2 cup of fresh chopped cilantro.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this is an excellent meal prep recipe because it is a complete meal in one dish and stores well.
What makes this dish 'Spanish' style?
The combination of rice, tomatoes, green chilies, and bell peppers gives it the classic flavor profile associated with Spanish or Mexican-style rice dishes.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, so you would need to adjust the recipe accordingly.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
The 3 ounces of tomato paste provide a concentrated tomato flavor and help thicken the sauce for a richer consistency.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it contains protein and vegetables, and you can make it even healthier by using lean beef and low-sodium broth.
Can I add more vegetables to this rice bowl?
Absolutely! Corn, black beans, or diced zucchini would make great additions to this meal.
How many bell peppers are needed?
The recipe calls for one green bell pepper, chopped.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this Spanish rice bowl?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What garnish can I use if I don't like cilantro?
If you don't like cilantro, you can garnish with chopped green onions or parsley instead.
Does this recipe use fresh or canned tomatoes?
This recipe uses canned tomato products, including tomato sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes.
How do I know when the rice is done?
The rice is done when it is tender and all the broth and tomato juices have been absorbed.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
What seasonings are used besides garlic?
The dish is seasoned with black pepper and red pepper flakes to taste.
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used if you don't have beef broth on hand.
How much cilantro is used for the garnish?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of fresh chopped cilantro.
Is this dish suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a crowd-pleaser and a perfect one-dish meal for family dinners.