Ground Beef and Vegetables over Rice

Ground Beef and Vegetables over Rice Recipe | USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ground Beef and Vegetables over Rice is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe combines lean ground beef with a variety of vegetables and a savory tomato sauce, all served over a bed of hot cooked rice.

History

This recipe is a classic comfort food dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. It is a simple and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and full of delicious flavors.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of lean ground beef
1 can (14-16 oz or 454 g) of whole tomatoes, with juice (2 cups)
1 can (16 oz or 454 g) of pork and beans in tomato sauce
1 medium onion, sliced and separated into rings
2 medium carrots, diced
1 tsp of italian seasoning
1 tsp of salt, divided
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper, divided
1 small zucchini, sliced
3 tbsp of flour
0.25 cup of water
3 cups of hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Cook beef in a 10-inch skillet with 0.5 tsp of salt and 0.13 tsp of pepper until the meat is no longer pink; stir to crumble. Pour off the fat.
Add tomatoes, beans, onion, carrots, Italian seasoning, the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt, and the remaining 0.13 tsp of pepper to the skillet.
Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Add zucchini and flour mixed with water. Cook until the zucchini is tender and the sauce is thickened.
Serve over hot rice.

Variations

Try adding different vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to change up the flavor and texture of the dish.
For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink to ensure that it is fully cooked.

- Adding the flour mixed with water at the end of cooking helps to thicken the sauce and create a rich and flavorful dish.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served on its own as a complete meal, or paired with a side salad or crusty bread for a more filling meal. It is also delicious topped with grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the ground beef until it is fully browned and no longer pink to ensure that it is cooked through.

- Simmering the vegetables in the tomato sauce helps to infuse them with flavor and create a rich and savory sauce.

- Thickening the sauce with flour mixed with water helps to create a creamy and delicious texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ground beef, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor.

- Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand in place of the carrots and zucchini in this recipe.

- You can use brown rice or quinoa in place of white rice for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this dish in a large serving bowl or on individual plates, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese. You can also serve it family-style with a side of bread or salad.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a side of steamed vegetables. It also goes well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ground Beef and Vegetables over Rice contains approximately 400 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Carbohydrates

This recipe is a good source of carbohydrates, with the rice providing the majority of the carbs in the dish. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health and well-being.

Fats

The lean ground beef in this recipe provides a good source of protein and healthy fats. It is important to choose lean cuts of beef to keep the fat content low and reduce the risk of heart disease and other health issues.

Proteins

The ground beef in this recipe is a rich source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Protein is also important for maintaining muscle mass and supporting overall health and wellness.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables included in the dish. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, while zucchini provides vitamin C and potassium. These nutrients are important for supporting immune function and overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains beef and wheat flour, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies or sensitivities before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this recipe is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious and nutritious option for a family meal.

Summary

Ground Beef and Vegetables over Rice is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is a nutritious and flavorful option for any occasion. 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, and I had just finished helping my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, with her garden. As a token of her appreciation, she invited me into her home for a cup of tea.

As we sat at her kitchen table, sipping our tea and chatting about this and that, Mrs. Jenkins suddenly got up and disappeared into her pantry. She returned with a tattered old cookbook in her hands, its pages yellowed with age and splattered with food stains.

"I want to show you something," she said with a twinkle in her eye. Flipping through the pages, she stopped at a recipe for Ground Beef and Vegetables over Rice. "This," she said, pointing to the recipe, "is one of my favorites. It's simple, hearty, and delicious. You should try making it sometime."

I was intrigued. I had always been fascinated by the art of cooking, and Mrs. Jenkins was known in our neighborhood for her culinary skills. So, I asked her if she would mind sharing the recipe with me.

With a smile, Mrs. Jenkins agreed. She patiently walked me through the steps, explaining each ingredient and technique in detail. I jotted down notes in my own recipe book, making sure to capture every nuance and tip she shared with me.

Once I had learned the recipe by heart, Mrs. Jenkins invited me to stay for dinner. She prepared the dish right in front of me, demonstrating each step with precision and care. The aroma that filled her kitchen was heavenly, and my mouth watered in anticipation.

Finally, the dish was ready. Mrs. Jenkins plated it up, scooping a generous spoonful of the savory beef and vegetable mixture over a bed of fluffy white rice. She handed me a fork and urged me to dig in.

The first bite was pure bliss. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the rich beef, the tender vegetables, the fragrant spices. It was a symphony of taste and texture, and I savored every morsel.

As I finished my meal, Mrs. Jenkins beamed at me. "Well, what do you think?" she asked.

I could hardly contain my excitement. "It's amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe with me. I will definitely be making it again."

And make it again, I did. Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own taste. I added a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth, a sprinkle of paprika for a touch of heat, and a handful of frozen peas for color and sweetness.

I made the dish for my family, for my friends, for special occasions and everyday dinners. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and requests for seconds. It became a staple in my kitchen, a go-to recipe that never failed to impress.

But more than just a delicious meal, this recipe held a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of the day I learned it from Mrs. Jenkins, of the bond we shared over a cup of tea and a tattered old cookbook.

And so, whenever I make Ground Beef and Vegetables over Rice, I think of Mrs. Jenkins and the gift she gave me that warm summer day. I think of the joy of cooking, of sharing a good meal with loved ones, of the simple pleasures that make life so sweet.

And I am grateful, every time, for the memories and the flavors that enrich my life.