Italian-style Beef and Rice

Italian-style Beef and Rice Recipe - Authentic Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Italian-style Beef and Rice is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender beef, savory mushrooms, and aromatic herbs with fluffy rice and sweet peas. This dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.

History

Italian-style Beef and Rice is a classic Italian-American dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It combines the flavors of traditional Italian cuisine with the heartiness of American comfort food. This dish is a favorite among families for its delicious taste and simple preparation.

Ingredients

ground black pepper
1.5 lb (680 g) boneless beef round steak, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 x 4 oz (113 g) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground marjoram
0.5 tsp ground thyme
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
0.5 cup beef broth
3 cup hot cooked rice
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)

How to prepare

Cook the beef in oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it turns brown, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes, or until it becomes tender-crisp.
Drain the fat.
Stir in the mushrooms, garlic, salt, marjoram, thyme, pepper, and broth.
Cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the meat becomes tender.
Stir in the rice, tomato, and peas, and heat thoroughly.
Serve with cheese, if desired.

Variations

Substitute chicken or pork for the beef for a different flavor.
Add bell peppers or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Use different herbs and spices, such as oregano or basil, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the beef properly to develop rich flavor in the dish.

- Be sure to cook the onions until they are tender-crisp to add sweetness and depth to the dish.

- Simmering the beef in broth allows it to become tender and flavorful.

- Adding the rice, tomato, and peas at the end ensures that they are heated through but still retain their texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Italian-style Beef and Rice can be served with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the beef before simmering ensures a rich flavor in the dish.

- Simmering the beef in broth allows it to become tender and flavorful.

- Adding the rice, tomato, and peas at the end ensures that they are heated through but still retain their texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or pork instead of beef.

- Use different vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini.

- Use different herbs and spices, such as oregano or basil.

Make Ahead Tips

Italian-style Beef and Rice can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Italian-style Beef and Rice in a large serving bowl, garnished with fresh herbs or grated parmesan cheese.

Pairing Recommendations

Italian-style Beef and Rice pairs well with a light red wine, such as Chianti, or a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Italian-style Beef and Rice contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Italian-style Beef and Rice is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the rice and peas providing the majority of the carbs. One serving of this dish contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish is moderate in fat, with the vegetable oil and optional parmesan cheese contributing to the fat content. One serving of Italian-style Beef and Rice contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

The beef in this dish is a good source of protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair. One serving of Italian-style Beef and Rice contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Italian-style Beef and Rice is a nutrient-dense dish, with the beef providing iron, zinc, and B vitamins. The vegetables in this dish also contribute vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C from the tomato and peas.

Alergens

This dish contains beef and dairy (parmesan cheese), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Italian-style Beef and Rice is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Italian-style Beef and Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender beef, savory mushrooms, and aromatic herbs with fluffy rice and sweet peas. This dish is a satisfying and nutritious meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Italian-style Beef and Rice. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen in the heart of Tuscany. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of garlic and tomatoes simmering on the stove, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy at Maria's culinary skills.

Maria had always been a master in the kitchen, effortlessly whipping up delicious Italian dishes with a flick of her wrist. She had inherited her love for cooking from her grandmother, who had passed down the family recipes through generations. I, on the other hand, had never been much of a cook. My attempts at making even the simplest of dishes often ended in disaster.

But as I watched Maria expertly prepare the ingredients for the beef and rice dish, I felt a spark of inspiration. Perhaps, with a little guidance from Maria, I could finally conquer my fear of cooking and learn to create something truly delicious.

As Maria chopped the onions and garlic, she began to regale me with the story of how she had learned to make the dish. It had been passed down to her from her grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend in a small village in Sicily. The recipe had traveled through time and distance, making its way to Maria's kitchen where it had become a beloved family favorite.

I listened intently as Maria explained each step of the recipe, from browning the beef to simmering it in a rich tomato sauce. She showed me how to season the dish with a blend of fragrant herbs and spices, giving it that distinctive Italian flavor. By the time the dish was ready to be served, I felt like I had been transported to a quaint trattoria in the heart of Italy.

As I took my first bite of the Italian-style Beef and Rice, I was amazed at how delicious it was. The tender beef practically melted in my mouth, while the rice soaked up all the rich flavors of the sauce. It was a dish that was simple yet sophisticated, comforting yet elegant. I couldn't believe that I had helped to create something so divine.

From that day on, I became determined to master the art of cooking. I spent hours in my own kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, trying to recreate the magic of Maria's recipe. I sought out other friends and family members who were skilled in the culinary arts, asking them to share their secrets and tips with me.

Over the years, I collected a treasure trove of recipes from various places and people, each one a testament to the power of good food and good company. I learned how to make hearty stews from my Irish neighbor, spicy curries from my Indian co-worker, and delicate pastries from a French pastry chef. Each recipe taught me something new and expanded my culinary horizons.

But it was the recipe for Italian-style Beef and Rice that always held a special place in my heart. It was the dish that had sparked my love for cooking and had opened up a whole new world of flavors and possibilities. Whenever I made it, I would think back to that hot summer day in Maria's kitchen, and I would smile at how far I had come.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of garlic and tomatoes, I can't help but feel grateful for all the wonderful recipes and experiences that have enriched my life. Cooking has become not just a means of nourishment, but a way of connecting with others and creating lasting memories.

And as I take a bite of the Italian-style Beef and Rice that I have just prepared, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. For in that simple dish lies the culmination of a lifelong journey of learning, growing, and discovering the joy of cooking. And for that, I will always be grateful.