Spanish Rice with Beef: A Flavorful One-Dish Delight
This hearty and flavorful Spanish Rice with Beef recipe, straight from the Better Homes & Gardens cookbook, offers a delightful mix of spices, beef, and vegetables, all simmered to perfection. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal, this dish is not only economical but also brimming with flavor. With a total preparation and cooking time of just under an hour, it’s a fantastic option for busy days when you still want to enjoy a homemade dinner.
Ingredients:
- Garlic Cloves: 4, finely minced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Long Grain Rice: 1 1/2 cups
- Tomatoes: 1 cup, chopped (fresh or canned)
- Tomato Paste: 1/4 cup
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Hot Water: 2 1/2 cups
- Ground Beef: 1 pound
- Green Pepper: 1, diced
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Condensed Beef Broth: 1 cup
Instructions:
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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing it for the final baking step.
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Prepare the Skillet: Heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and diced celery. Sauté these aromatics until they are softened and fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
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Mix the Rice Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the long-grain rice, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, bay leaf, and cayenne pepper. Gradually stir in the hot water until well mixed.
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Combine Ingredients: Pour the rice mixture into the skillet with the garlic and celery. Stir thoroughly to combine, then cover the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Cook the Beef: While the rice mixture is simmering, heat another pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced green pepper, cooking until the beef is browned and the pepper is tender. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
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Season the Beef: Stir the chili powder, sugar, and condensed beef broth into the cooked beef mixture. Mix well to ensure that the seasonings are evenly distributed.
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Combine and Bake: In a 3-quart baking dish, combine the rice mixture with the beef mixture. Stir to blend thoroughly. Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
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Bake the Dish: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes. Check occasionally; if the mixture appears dry, add a bit of water or tomato juice as needed, stirring to ensure even cooking.
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Final Touches: Once the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully, remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Spanish Rice with Beef hot, straight from the baking dish. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, you can also enjoy it with a side of warm bread or tortilla chips.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 469.1
- Fat Content: 21 grams
- Saturated Fat Content: 5.8 grams
- Cholesterol Content: 51.4 milligrams
- Sodium Content: 1519 milligrams
- Carbohydrate Content: 48.2 grams
- Fiber Content: 3.3 grams
- Sugar Content: 6.7 grams
- Protein Content: 21.7 grams
Enjoy this delightful, one-dish meal that’s not only packed with flavor but also easy on the budget! 🥘🍽️
