Beef and Rice Veneto

Beef and Rice Veneto Recipe from Italy with Mushrooms and Green Pepper

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Beef and Rice Veneto is a classic dish that brings the rich flavors of Italy straight to your dinner table. This recipe combines lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic Italian seasonings simmered together to create a hearty and satisfying meal. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, it's a perfect blend of protein, carbs, and veggies, making it a balanced and nutritious option for any day of the week. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and promises to deliver delicious results every time.

History

The origins of Beef and Rice Veneto trace back to the Veneto region in northeastern Italy, known for its diverse culinary traditions that have been influenced by its history, geography, and the various cultures that have inhabited the area. This recipe is a testament to the simplicity and richness of Italian cooking, utilizing ingredients that are staples in Italian cuisine such as tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Over time, it has traveled and evolved, incorporating elements like low-sodium tomato juice and hot pepper sauce to adapt to modern tastes and nutritional preferences.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) lean ground beef
0.5 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
2 tsp italian seasoning
2 tsp sugar
2 6 oz (170 g) cans low-sodium vegetable juice or tomato juice
2 tsp red wine vinegar
0.5 to 0.75 tsp hot pepper sauce
salt (optional)
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
0.5 cup chopped green pepper
1.5 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp water
3 cup hot cooked rice
sliced fresh mushrooms for garnish (optional)

How to prepare

Cook beef, onion, and garlic in a 4 qt (3.78 liter) Dutch oven until the meat is no longer pink. Stir to crumble the meat and pour off any fat.
Add tomatoes, Italian seasoning, sugar, juice, vinegar, pepper sauce, and salt (if desired) to the beef mixture.
Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add mushrooms, green pepper, and cornstarch dissolved in water. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender.
Serve over hot rice and garnish with additional mushroom slices, if desired.

Variations

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of hot pepper sauce.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add different vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant for more variety.
For a gluten-free version, ensure all canned goods and seasonings are gluten-free.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best flavor and texture in your Beef and Rice Veneto, consider the following tips:

- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter and healthier.

- Sauté the onions and garlic until they are translucent before adding the beef to ensure they are fully cooked and sweet.

- Let the beef mixture simmer with the lid off to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, concentrating the flavors.

- Cook the rice separately and serve the beef mixture over it to prevent the rice from becoming too mushy.

- Adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce according to your preference for spice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Beef and Rice Veneto hot over a bed of freshly cooked rice. For a complete meal, accompany it with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques in this recipe include sautéing to develop flavors and simmering to combine and intensify the ingredients. Properly browning the beef is crucial for adding depth to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Italian seasoning, make your own blend with dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.

- Fresh tomatoes can be substituted with canned diced tomatoes for convenience.

- Brown rice or quinoa can be used instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to two days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if necessary to loosen the sauce.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and elegance. Serve in a deep dish or bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Beef and Rice Veneto with a light red wine such as Chianti or a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent the sauce from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Beef and Rice Veneto contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it a suitable main course for those managing their calorie intake. The exact number of calories can vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Beef and Rice Veneto provides a good balance of carbohydrates, primarily from the rice and vegetables. The rice serves as the primary source of carbs, offering energy for the body's daily functions. The tomatoes and other vegetables add a modest amount of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health.

Fats

This recipe is designed with health in mind, utilizing lean ground beef to minimize saturated fat content. The majority of the fats in this dish are unsaturated, coming from the beef and the vegetables. Using lean cuts or ground beef with a lower fat percentage can help keep the fat content in check.

Proteins

Beef and Rice Veneto is an excellent source of high-quality protein, thanks to the lean ground beef. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, making this dish a great option for muscle maintenance and overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly from the tomatoes and green peppers. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K. Green peppers also contribute vitamin C, along with some B vitamins. Together, these ingredients help support immune function, heart health, and more.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten (assuming gluten-free soy sauce is used if applicable). However, those with specific food sensitivities should review all ingredients to ensure they meet their dietary needs.

Summary

Overall, Beef and Rice Veneto is a nutritious and balanced meal, offering a good mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a hearty dish that doesn't compromise on health or flavor.

Summary

Beef and Rice Veneto is a versatile and flavorful dish that combines the best of Italian cooking with the convenience of a one-pot meal. With its rich nutritional profile and the ability to customize it to your taste, it's a perfect addition to your meal rotation. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Beef and Rice Veneto. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the beautiful region of Veneto in Italy. My grandmother, Nonna Maria, was known for her delicious and hearty meals, and I was always eager to learn from her.

One day, as I was helping Nonna Maria in the kitchen, she pulled out an old, worn recipe book from the top shelf. She flipped through the pages until she landed on a recipe for Beef and Rice Veneto. She explained to me that this dish was a traditional Venetian recipe that had been passed down through generations in our family.

As she read through the ingredients and instructions, I could see the passion and love she had for cooking. I watched as she carefully prepared the dish, adding in the beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

When the Beef and Rice Veneto was finally ready, Nonna Maria plated it up and served it to our family. The flavors were rich and comforting, and I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time adding my own little twist to it. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with the flavors of Veneto that this dish embodies.

I remember one particular time when I made Beef and Rice Veneto for a dinner party with some friends. They were all amazed at how delicious and flavorful the dish was, and they begged me for the recipe. I happily shared it with them, knowing that they would enjoy it as much as I do.

As I continued to cook and experiment with different recipes, I always came back to Beef and Rice Veneto as a favorite. There is something about the simplicity and heartiness of this dish that brings me back to my roots in Veneto, and reminds me of the love and passion that my grandmother put into her cooking.

Now, as I pass this recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, I hope that they will cherish it as much as I do. I hope that they will feel the same joy and nostalgia that I feel every time I make Beef and Rice Veneto, and that they will pass it down through generations to come.

In the end, it is not just about the flavors and ingredients that make this dish special. It is about the memories and traditions that it represents, and the love and passion that goes into every bite. And for that, I am forever grateful to my grandmother, Nonna Maria, for passing down this cherished recipe to me.