This Spanish Rice recipe is a delightful symphony of flavors, featuring tender cooked rice, savory ground beef, robust tomato sauce, and a medley of crisp peppers and onions, all brought together with a touch of simple seasoning. It’s the quintessential comfort food that promises a warm, satisfying meal for any occasion.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Easy Homemade Spanish Rice
There’s an undeniable magic that happens when the aroma of Spanish Rice wafts through the kitchen. For me, the fragrant blend of sizzling green peppers, sweet onions, and seasoned ground beef instantly transports me back to my mom’s bustling kitchen in the 60s. This isn’t just any rice dish; it’s a nostalgic journey, a taste of home. While we lovingly call it “Spanish Rice,” it’s important to clarify that this particular rendition, passed down from my mom’s home economics class, is not an authentic Spanish creation. Instead, it’s a beloved Americanized comfort food, a testament to how traditional flavors can inspire delicious, new family classics. Regardless of its name, its rich, hearty flavors make it an absolute favorite in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Spanish Rice Recipe
This ground beef Spanish Rice isn’t just another side dish; it’s a flavorful, fulfilling meal that’s incredibly easy to make. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
- Simplicity at Its Best: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
- Quick & Convenient: From start to finish, you can have this delicious dish on the table in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing pantry staples like rice, tomato sauce, and ground beef, this recipe is economical without sacrificing flavor.
- Family Favorite: The savory combination of beef, rice, and a mild tomato base is a proven crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable, you can customize the seasonings, add more vegetables, or even swap out the protein to suit your taste.
- Delicious Comfort Food: Warm, hearty, and satisfying, it hits all the right notes for a comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Spanish Rice
What are the best dishes to serve with this Spanish Rice?
This versatile Spanish Rice makes an excellent side dish or even a light main course! It pairs beautifully with a variety of meals, especially those with a Tex-Mex or Southwestern flair. Consider serving it alongside my popular Layered Taco Bake or our hearty Mexican Lasagna for a complete and satisfying spread. It’s also fantastic with sizzling fajitas, flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas, or a comforting Chicken Enchilada Bake. If you happen to have leftovers, don’t let them go to waste! Transform them into delicious Stuffed Peppers for another meal.
What other seasonings can I add to enhance the flavor?
Our basic Spanish Rice recipe provides a wonderful foundation, but it’s incredibly flexible for customization! To truly amp up the flavor profile and add a more aromatic depth, I highly recommend incorporating a pinch of ground cumin and a dash of garlic powder while the beef and vegetables are cooking. These spices will infuse the dish with a warm, earthy quality. For a more herbaceous note, a sprinkle of dried oregano can work wonders. And if you’re a fan of fresh herbs, a generous handful of chopped cilantro stirred in at the end adds a bright, zesty finish that truly elevates the dish.
What is the difference between Spanish Rice and Mexican Rice?
While often used interchangeably, Spanish Rice and Mexican Rice have subtle yet distinct differences, primarily rooted in their seasoning profiles. Traditional Mexican Rice typically features cumin as a prominent spice, giving it a warmer, earthier flavor that often echoes the notes found in red enchilada sauce. Spanish Rice, on the other hand, tends to be more tomato-based, with flavors that are generally milder and less spicy, relying more on the richness of the tomato and the sweetness of the vegetables. Our recipe leans into the tomato-forward, comforting style that’s a favorite in many American homes, reminiscent of what many would call “Spanish Rice.”
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! While I haven’t personally tested this specific recipe with brown rice, many cooks successfully substitute it for white rice in similar dishes. Keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time and typically more liquid to achieve the desired tenderness. If you decide to use brown rice, I recommend increasing the amount of cooking liquid (water, chicken broth, or additional tomato sauce) and extending the simmering time until the rice is perfectly cooked. Always refer to the brown rice package instructions for specific cooking ratios and times, then adjust accordingly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Storing and reheating your Spanish Rice leftovers is simple, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious dish for days. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any remaining Spanish Rice to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, scoop a cup or so of the rice into a microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle about a tablespoon of water or chicken broth over the rice – this helps keep it moist and prevents it from drying out. Cover the bowl loosely with a paper towel and microwave on high for approximately 1 minute. Stir well to ensure even warming, and if needed, microwave for an additional 20-30 seconds. Alternatively, you can easily reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of liquid if necessary, until thoroughly warmed through.
Can I freeze leftover Spanish Rice?
Yes, you can definitely freeze leftover Spanish Rice! Freezing is a fantastic way to extend its shelf life and have a quick meal ready when you need it. Once the rice has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to press out any excess air to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the rice overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat using the microwave or stovetop instructions mentioned above, adding a little extra liquid if it seems dry.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Spanish Rice
This recipe relies on a few simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a profoundly satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful substitution tips:
- Lean Ground Beef: The foundation of our savory rice. Lean ground beef provides rich flavor without excessive grease. You can easily substitute this with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Tomato Sauce: This provides the signature tangy, rich base for the rice. A 15-ounce can works perfectly. If you don’t have tomato sauce, an equal amount of canned tomato soup (condensed, undiluted) can be used as a convenient substitute, offering a slightly creamier texture.
- Prepared White Rice: Crucial for the texture and bulk of the dish. It’s important to use *cooked* rice for this recipe. If you’re using boil-in-the-bag rice, two bags will typically yield about 4 cups of prepared rice. This is also an excellent recipe for utilizing leftover white rice from a previous meal, preventing food waste. For best results, use day-old rice if possible, as it tends to be less sticky.
- Green Pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter, and aromatic crunch. Feel free to swap it out for red, orange, or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor profile and a pop of different color. A mix of colors works wonderfully too!
- Onion: Sweet yellow onions are my go-to for their balanced flavor that caramelizes beautifully. However, if you’re looking for a subtle hint of garlic, a finely diced shallot can be a delightful alternative. White or red onions will also work, though they might have a stronger, sharper taste.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This is entirely optional, but trust me, a sprinkle of melty cheddar cheese stirred in at the end adds an irresistible creamy, cheesy goodness that takes this comfort food to the next level. Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend would also be delicious.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple, yet essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors. Always taste and adjust to your preference.
How to Make This Simple & Delicious Spanish Rice
Creating this flavorful Spanish Rice is incredibly straightforward. Follow these easy steps for a comforting dish:
- Brown the Beef and Veggies: Start by placing a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your lean ground beef along with the diced green peppers and yellow onion. Season generously with a dash of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it’s completely browned and crumbled, and the vegetables have softened and become tender. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes.
- Drain Excess Grease: Once the beef is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables are tender, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot. This step is important for a lighter, less oily final dish.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned ground beef and vegetable mixture to the stockpot. Now, add the star components: your 4 cups of prepared white rice and the entire 15-ounce can of tomato sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the rice is evenly coated with the tomato sauce. Continue stirring gently until the mixture is heated through, which should only take a few minutes as all ingredients are already cooked or warm.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: This is a crucial step! Take a small taste of the Spanish Rice. At this point, I often find it needs a little extra salt and pepper to truly make the flavors sing. Adjust the seasonings to your personal preference, adding more if needed.
- Melt the Cheese (Optional): Turn off the heat. If you’re opting for that irresistible cheesy touch, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the warm rice mixture. Allow it to sit for a minute or two, letting the residual heat melt the cheese into gooey perfection.
- Serve Warm: Give the rice a final stir to incorporate the melted cheese (if used). Ladle generous portions onto plates or serve directly from the pot. Enjoy your delicious homemade Spanish Rice warm!
Pro Tips for the Best Spanish Rice
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: Since you’re using pre-cooked rice, the goal when adding it to the pot is simply to warm it through and combine flavors. Overcooking will make the rice mushy.
- Seasoning Layers: Don’t just season at the end! Season the ground beef and vegetables while they cook. This builds flavor from the beginning.
- Fresh is Best: While dried spices work well, don’t underestimate the power of fresh garlic or a little extra fresh onion for an even more vibrant taste.
- Add a Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a finely diced jalapeño (seeded for less heat) can be added during the cooking process.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and instead sauté mushrooms or black beans with the bell peppers and onions for a satisfying vegetarian version.
- Batch Cooking: This recipe scales up easily! Double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Craving More Delicious & Easy Recipes?
If you loved this Spanish Rice, you’ll surely enjoy these other comforting and flavorful recipes:
- 3-Ingredient Mexican Rice
- Chicken Taco Rice
- Stick of Butter Rice
- Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce
- The Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- One-Pan Taco Rice Dinner
Originally published: March 2011
Updated photos & republished: May 2024
Spanish Rice
This Spanish Rice recipe is stuffed with cooked rice, tomato sauce, ground beef, peppers, onions and seasoning. Delicious comfort food!
Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars (46 Reviews)
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups prepared white rice
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large stock pot, add 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 green pepper, diced and 1 medium yellow onion, diced over medium high heat. Season with a bit of salt and pepper, to taste.
- Cook until ground beef is brown and crumbled and veggies are tender. Drain excess grease.
- Put ground beef mixture back into stock pot. Add 4 cups prepared white rice and 15 ounce can tomato sauce.
- Stir until thoroughly combined and heated through. Taste and check for seasonings at this point (I usually find I need to season with a bit more salt.)
- Turn off heat and add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (if using) until melted.
- Stir mixture to combine and serve.
Video
Notes
- Please refer to the FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Cuisine: American
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 475 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 74 g |
Protein: 22 g |
Fat: 8 g |
Sodium: 130 mg |
Fiber: 1 g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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