Mexicano Beef and Rice

Mexicano Beef and Rice Recipe from Mexico with Tomatoes and Cheddar

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mexicano Beef and Rice is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of ground beef, rice, corn, and spices to create a satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family.

History

Mexicano Beef and Rice is a popular dish in Mexican cuisine that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of beef, rice, and spices is a classic flavor profile that is loved by many.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of lean ground beef
2 cups of cooked rice
1 12 oz (340 g) can of whole kernel corn, drained
1 cup of finely chopped onion
1 tbsp of chili powder
1 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
0.25 tsp of garlic powder
1 14-0.5- to 16 oz (454 g) can of tomatoes or 2 cups
1 cup of grated cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Combine beef, rice, corn, onion, chili powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and tomatoes; mix well.
Turn into a buttered shallow 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole.
Cover and bake at 375°F (191°C) for 25 minutes.
Remove cover and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
Sprinkle with cheese and serve with corn chips and raw onion rings, if desired.

Variations

You can add some diced bell peppers or jalapenos for extra flavor and heat.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the ground beef thoroughly before adding it to the dish to ensure that it is safe to eat.

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

- For a spicier version, you can add some chopped jalapenos or hot sauce to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mexicano Beef and Rice with a side of guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the casserole in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to melt and become bubbly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Mexicano Beef and Rice casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mexicano Beef and Rice in individual bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Mexicano Beef and Rice pairs well with a side of Mexican street corn or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Mexicano Beef and Rice 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 Mexicano Beef and Rice contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mexicano Beef and Rice contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

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

Proteins

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

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (from the corn chips), so it may not be suitable for individuals with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Mexicano Beef and Rice is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mexicano Beef and Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering. With a mix of ground beef, rice, corn, and spices, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. As soon as I walked in, the delicious aroma of spices and herbs filled the air, making my mouth water.

Maria greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a glass of homemade lemonade. She then went to the stove and started cooking a dish that looked absolutely mouthwatering. It was a Mexicano Beef and Rice dish, and I could tell by the way she moved and stirred the ingredients that she was a master in the kitchen.

I watched in awe as Maria cooked, asking her questions and taking mental notes of each step. She explained that the recipe was passed down to her from her grandmother, who had learned it from a traveling chef many years ago. The combination of flavors and textures in the dish was simply magical, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

After a few hours of cooking and chatting, Maria finally plated the dish and served it to me. The first bite was a revelation – the tender beef, the flavorful rice, the spicy kick of the jalapeños – everything came together in perfect harmony. I couldn't believe how delicious it was, and I begged Maria to teach me the recipe.

Over the next few weeks, I spent hours in Maria's kitchen, learning the ins and outs of making Mexicano Beef and Rice. She taught me how to marinate the beef in a special blend of spices, how to cook the rice just right, and how to balance the flavors of the dish. It was a labor of love, but I was determined to master the recipe.

As I practiced and perfected the dish, I started to add my own twist to it. I experimented with different types of chilies, added more garlic and cumin, and even threw in a handful of fresh cilantro. Each time I made the dish, it got better and better, and soon I was serving it to my family and friends with pride.

One day, my grandmother came to visit me and I decided to make Mexicano Beef and Rice for her. As she took her first bite, her eyes lit up with delight. She told me that the dish reminded her of her own childhood, when she used to watch her mother cook in their tiny kitchen in Mexico. She said that the flavors and aromas brought back memories of family gatherings and celebrations, and that my version of the dish was even better than hers.

I felt a swell of pride in my chest as my grandmother praised my cooking. I realized then that recipes are not just a list of ingredients and instructions – they are a link to the past, a connection to our heritage and our loved ones. Each dish tells a story, and Mexicano Beef and Rice was now a part of my own culinary journey.

Years passed, and I continued to cook the dish for special occasions and family gatherings. I shared the recipe with my daughters and granddaughters, passing down the tradition from generation to generation. Each time I made Mexicano Beef and Rice, I felt a sense of pride and joy, knowing that I was keeping a piece of my heritage alive.

And so, as I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make Mexicano Beef and Rice, I am filled with gratitude for all the people and experiences that have shaped my culinary skills. From Maria's kitchen to my own, from my grandmother's memories to my own, this recipe has become more than just a dish – it is a symbol of love, family, and tradition. And I hope that as you read this story and try the recipe for yourself, you too will feel the magic and warmth that comes with each delicious bite.