Spanish Rice With Ground Beef
Spanish rice with beef makes a tasty one-pot meal. This recipe features a savory combination of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and seasonings.
Spanish rice with beef makes a tasty one-pot meal. This comforting dish combines savory ground beef, tender rice, and zesty stewed tomatoes in one easy skillet.
A perfect weeknight dinner, this simple rice dish is full of flavor and comes together with pantry staples. The stewed tomatoes and chili powder give it a rich, slightly tangy depth, while the green pepper and onion add a fresh aromatic base. It’s satisfying on its own or paired with your favorite sides.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
One-pan convenience. Everything cooks in one skillet — less cleanup, more flavor.
Everyday ingredients. You likely have everything you need in your pantry already.
Family-friendly. Mild and satisfying, it’s a hit with all ages.
Customizable. Make it spicy, add beans, or top it with cheese — it’s flexible.
Ingredient Notes
- Rice – Long-grain white rice works best. Rinse to reduce starch and help keep it fluffy.
- Ground beef – Use lean beef (85–90%) for good flavor without too much grease.
- Stewed tomatoes – Canned stewed tomatoes add a slightly sweet and seasoned base. Break them up before adding.
- Onion, bell pepper, garlic – The aromatic trio builds depth of flavor.
- Chili powder – Adds subtle warmth and earthiness. Adjust to taste.
- Oil or drippings – Bacon drippings add extra flavor, but vegetable oil works great too.
Steps to Make Spanish Rice With Ground Beef
- Rinse the rice and let it drain for a few minutes.
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet and cook the rice, stirring, until lightly browned.
- Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and ground beef. Cook until the beef is no longer pink.
- Stir in the stewed tomatoes, salt, and chili powder.
- Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
Don’t skip browning the rice: It adds a nutty, toasty flavor and helps it hold its shape.
Use a tight-fitting lid: To trap steam and ensure even rice cooking.
Break up the tomatoes: For better distribution throughout the rice and beef mixture.
Recipe Variations
- Add heat. Stir in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy finish. Top with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack before serving.
- Add beans. Mix in black beans or pinto beans to stretch the dish further.
- Different meat. Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a change.
- Bulk it up. Stir in frozen corn, zucchini, or extra bell peppers.
What to Serve With Spanish Rice
- Bread or Tortillas: Crusty cornbread or warm tortillas are excellent choices.
- Beans: A side of black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans pairs well with Spanish rice.
- Corn: Corn with peppers, Mexican street corn, or Korean corn are delicious options.
- Quesadillas: Serve a fried tortilla and cheese quesadilla alongside the Spanish rice.
- Salad: Add a simple salad with vinaigrette, Italian dressing, or make a Mexican coleslaw.
- Toppings and Garnishes: Fresh salsa, guacamole, plain sour cream, pickled onions, or cilantro.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Label with the date and name.
To Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Spanish Rice With Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil , or bacon drippings or combination
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef, 85% to 90%
- 2 cans stewed tomatoes, 14.5-oz each, undrained and broken up
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
Instructions
- Rinse the rice and let it stand for a few minutes to drain.
- Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat; add the rice and cook, stirring constantlyfor about 7 to 9 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add the onions, garlic, green peppers, and ground beef. Stir and break up meat; cook for 7 to 9 minutes until the beef is no longer pink.
- Add the tomatoes and seasonings.
- Cover the pan and simmer for about 25 minutes or until rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Let stand, covered, for about 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
