Easy Beef and Rice

Easy Beef and Rice Recipe: A Delicious USA Original

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Easy Beef and Rice is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This recipe combines lean ground beef, rice, vegetables, and cheese for a hearty and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

History

This recipe is a classic comfort food dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. It is a simple and affordable meal that is easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) of lean ground beef
0.5 cup of chopped onion
2 cups of cooked rice
1 x 10.75 oz (305 g) can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can of stewed tomatoes, undrained and chopped
1 x 7 oz (198 g) can of whole kernel corn
0.5 tsp of garlic powder
0.5 tsp of chili powder
1 cup (4 oz (113 g)) of shredded cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Brown the beef and onion in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Stir in the rice, mushroom soup, tomatoes, corn, garlic powder, and chili powder.
Pour the mixture into a buttered 2 qt (1.89 liter) baking dish; bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20 minutes.
Top with cheese and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.

Variations

Add in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Use different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use lean ground beef to keep the dish lower in fat.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.

- Make sure to cook the beef and onion until they are browned and cooked through before adding the other ingredients.

- Be sure to top the dish with cheese for a gooey and delicious finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Easy Beef and Rice with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a combination of stovetop and oven cooking techniques to create a flavorful and hearty dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.

- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.

- Swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Easy Beef and Rice mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add the cheese on top before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Easy Beef and Rice in individual ramekins for a cute and elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Easy Beef and Rice contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, with the rice and corn providing a healthy dose of complex carbs to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

The lean ground beef and cheese in this recipe provide a moderate amount of healthy fats, which are essential for overall health and well-being.

Proteins

This dish is a good source of protein, with the lean ground beef providing a healthy dose of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamins and minerals, with the vegetables providing a healthy dose of essential nutrients like vitamin C and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (condensed cream of mushroom soup), so be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Overall, Easy Beef and Rice is a balanced and nutritious meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Easy Beef and Rice is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With a mix of lean ground beef, rice, vegetables, and cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, the kind of day where the sun shines brightly and the birds sing cheerfully. I was visiting my dear friend Sarah, who lived in a quaint little cottage on the outskirts of town. Sarah was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to our visits because I knew I would be treated to a culinary delight.

On this particular day, Sarah had prepared a simple yet comforting dish that she called Easy Beef and Rice. The aroma that wafted from her kitchen was enough to make my mouth water. As she set the steaming bowl in front of me, she told me the story behind the recipe.

Sarah explained that she had learned to make Easy Beef and Rice from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The recipe was a family favorite, and Sarah had been making it for as long as she could remember. She told me that it was the perfect dish for busy days when she needed a quick and satisfying meal for her family.

As I took my first bite, I was instantly hooked. The tender pieces of beef, the fluffy rice, and the flavorful sauce all combined to create a dish that was both hearty and delicious. I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Sarah graciously shared the recipe with me, and I eagerly wrote it down in my tattered old recipe book. Over the years, I have made Easy Beef and Rice countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. It has become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I turn to time and time again when I need a simple yet satisfying meal.

To make Easy Beef and Rice, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 pound of beef stew meat

- 1 onion, diced

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 cup of beef broth

- 1 cup of rice

- 1 can of diced tomatoes

- 1 teaspoon of paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the beef broth, rice, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Return the browned beef to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the beef is tender.

Serve the Easy Beef and Rice hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.

I hope you enjoy making Easy Beef and Rice as much as I do. It truly is a recipe that has stood the test of time and has brought joy to many generations of my family. I am grateful to Sarah for sharing this recipe with me, and I will cherish it always. Happy cooking!