Italian Beef and Rice

Authentic Italian Beef and Rice Recipe

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Italian Beef and Rice is a delicious and hearty dish that combines flavorful ground beef patties with a creamy tomato sauce, served over a bed of hot cooked rice. This recipe is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

History

Italian Beef and Rice is a classic Italian-American dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It combines traditional Italian flavors with American ingredients to create a unique and delicious meal that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of lean ground beef
0.5 cup of finely chopped onion
0.5 cup of soft breadcrumbs
0.5 tsp of garlic powder
0.5 tsp of oregano leaves
1 beaten egg
1 tbsp of worcestershire sauce
1 can (10.75 oz or 305 g) of condensed cream of celery soup
1 can (8 oz or 227 g) of stewed tomatoes
0.5 cup of water
1 package (10 oz or 283 g) of frozen peas and carrots, thawed
3 cups of hot cooked rice

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, combine beef, onion, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
Shape the mixture into 6 patties, each about 0.5 inch thick.
Grease a shallow 2 qt (1.89 liter) baking dish and place the patties in it.
Bake the patties at 450°F (232°C) for 15 minutes.
In a separate bowl, blend the soup, tomatoes, and water. Pour the mixture over the meat patties.
Sprinkle peas and carrots over the patties.
Cover the baking dish and reduce the heat to 350°F. Continue baking for 30 minutes.
Serve the patties over hot rice.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option.
Add in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Use different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mix the beef mixture well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

- Be sure to shape the patties evenly so that they cook at the same rate.

- Covering the baking dish while baking will help to keep the patties moist and tender.

- Serve the patties over hot rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Italian Beef and Rice can be served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking and simmering are the main cooking techniques used in this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and use any type of canned soup or stewed tomatoes that you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the beef patties ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Italian Beef and Rice on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Italian Beef and Rice pairs well with a glass of red wine or a side of garlic bread.

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 Italian Beef and Rice contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Italian Beef and Rice contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Italian Beef and Rice contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Italian Beef and Rice contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Italian Beef and Rice is a good source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (breadcrumbs) and eggs.

Summary

Italian Beef and Rice is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Italian Beef and Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family meal. With a creamy tomato sauce and flavorful beef patties, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

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 lunch with my dear friend Maria. We were sitting on her porch, sipping on iced tea and sharing stories of our childhood. Maria was always full of surprises, and that day she had a twinkle in her eye as she reached into her purse and pulled out a tattered old recipe card.

"Rosa, I want you to have this," she said, handing me the card. "It's a family recipe for Italian Beef and Rice that has been passed down for generations. I know you'll love it as much as we do."

I looked down at the card, feeling a rush of excitement as I read through the ingredients and instructions. The thought of making this traditional dish in my own kitchen filled me with joy. I thanked Maria profusely and promised to give the recipe a try soon.

As soon as I got home, I set to work gathering the ingredients for the Italian Beef and Rice. The recipe called for simple, wholesome ingredients like ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices. I could already imagine the delicious aroma that would fill my kitchen as it simmered on the stove.

I followed the instructions carefully, browning the ground beef and onion before adding in the tomatoes and rice. The scent of garlic and oregano wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. As the dish cooked, I couldn't resist sneaking a taste, and I knew right away that this recipe was something special.

When the Italian Beef and Rice was finally ready, I plated it up and sat down at the table to enjoy my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each bite a perfect blend of savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and fragrant spices. I closed my eyes and savored each mouthful, feeling a sense of satisfaction and contentment wash over me.

From that day on, Italian Beef and Rice became a staple in my household. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, and it never failed to impress. Each time I cooked it, I thought of Maria and the precious gift she had given me that sunny afternoon.

Over the years, I adapted the recipe to suit my own tastes, adding in extra vegetables or experimenting with different herbs and spices. But no matter how I tweaked it, the essence of the dish remained the same – a comforting, hearty meal that brought people together and warmed their souls.

As I grew older, I began to pass the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren. I taught them the proper techniques for browning the meat, simmering the sauce, and fluffing the rice to perfection. I watched with pride as they recreated the dish in their own kitchens, carrying on the tradition that had been started so many years ago.

Now, whenever I make Italian Beef and Rice, I can't help but smile as I think back to that fateful day when Maria handed me the recipe card. It's a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to nourish our bodies and souls, and to create lasting memories that we can cherish for a lifetime.

And so, as I sit here in my kitchen, stirring a bubbling pot of Italian Beef and Rice, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures in life – good food, good friends, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with the ones we love. The recipe may have come from Maria, but the love and warmth that it brings into my home are all my own. Grazie, dear friend, for this precious gift that will forever hold a place in my heart. Buon appetito!