Spanish Rice Bake

Spanish Rice Bake Recipe - Ground Beef, Bell Pepper, and Delicious Spices

Region / culture: Spain | Servings: 6

Introduction

Spanish Rice Bake is a delicious and hearty dish that combines ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices, all baked together with a generous topping of melted cheddar cheese. This comforting casserole is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering.

History

Spanish Rice Bake is a popular American dish that draws inspiration from traditional Spanish and Mexican cuisine. It is believed to have originated in the southwestern United States, where Spanish and Mexican flavors have long been incorporated into local cooking.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of lean ground beef
0.5 cup of finely chopped onion
0.25 cup of chopped green bell pepper
1 can (15.5 oz or 439 g) of tomatoes
1 cup of water
0.75 cup of uncooked long-grain rice
0.5 cup of chile sauce
1 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of ground cumin (optional)
0.5 tsp of worcestershire sauce
1 pinch of ground black pepper
0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp of chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a large pot over medium-low heat.
Stir in the onion, green bell pepper, tomatoes, water, rice, chile sauce, salt, brown sugar, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, and ground black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Transfer the mixture to a 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole dish. Press it down firmly and sprinkle with the shredded Cheddar cheese.
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.

Variations

To reduce the fat content, use low-fat cheese.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of the dish.
Add a can of black beans or kidney beans for extra protein and fiber.
Top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips or sliced avocado before baking for a crunchy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef after browning to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as corn, peas, or diced tomatoes.

- For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.

- To make the dish vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spanish Rice Bake with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful Spanish Rice Bake is to simmer the rice mixture until the rice is cooked through and the flavors have melded together. Be sure to stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have chile sauce on hand, you can use salsa or tomato sauce as a substitute. You can also use any type of cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Spanish Rice Bake up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the casserole dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Spanish Rice Bake with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or a drizzle of hot sauce for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Spanish Rice Bake pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as a Spanish Rioja or a Mexican Tempranillo. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Spanish Rice Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spanish Rice Bake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spanish Rice Bake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spanish Rice Bake contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Spanish Rice Bake contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Spanish Rice Bake is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Spanish Rice Bake contains dairy (cheddar cheese) and gluten (from the Worcestershire sauce). It may also contain soy if the chile sauce contains soy ingredients.

Summary

Spanish Rice Bake is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course.

Summary

Spanish Rice Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. With its hearty combination of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of spices and tomatoes simmering on the stove.

Maria had a twinkle in her eye as she motioned for me to come closer. "I'm making my famous Spanish Rice Bake today," she said with a smile. "Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly nodded, excited to learn a new recipe from my talented friend. Maria began by sautéing onions and garlic in a large skillet, filling the air with a fragrant aroma that made my stomach growl in anticipation. She then added in diced bell peppers, tomatoes, and a generous helping of cumin and chili powder.

As the mixture cooked, Maria explained the importance of layering flavors in Spanish cuisine. She had learned this recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. Each ingredient was carefully chosen to create a harmonious blend of savory and spicy flavors.

Once the vegetables were soft and the spices had melded together, Maria stirred in cooked rice and black beans, coating them in the rich tomato sauce. She then transferred the mixture to a baking dish and topped it with a generous sprinkling of shredded cheese.

As the Spanish Rice Bake baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, Maria regaled me with stories of her childhood in Spain. She spoke of lazy summer days spent in her grandmother's kitchen, learning the art of traditional Spanish cooking.

By the time the dish was ready, my mouth was watering in anticipation. Maria carefully removed the bubbling casserole from the oven and served up generous portions on two plates. We sat down at her cozy kitchen table and dug in, savoring each bite of the flavorful dish.

The Spanish Rice Bake was a symphony of flavors – the tangy tomatoes, the earthy cumin, the spicy chili powder, and the creamy cheese all coming together in perfect harmony. It was a dish that tasted of tradition and love, a reminder of the rich culinary heritage that Maria carried with her.

As we finished our meal, I asked Maria for the recipe so that I could make it for my family at home. She smiled and handed me a handwritten card with the ingredients and instructions.

And so, I returned home with a new recipe in hand, eager to recreate the magic of Maria's Spanish Rice Bake in my own kitchen. As I cooked, I thought of my dear friend and the stories she had shared with me, feeling grateful for the bond that food had created between us.

Now, whenever I make Spanish Rice Bake for my family, I think of Maria and the traditions she passed down to me. And I am reminded of the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with loved ones, a tradition that will continue for generations to come.