Spanish Rice with Ground Beef

Spanish Rice with Ground Beef is a delicious, one-pot meal that brings together the robust flavors of seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and spices with the comforting texture of fluffy rice. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With a mix of fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and tender beef, it’s a complete meal that bursts with flavor. Serve it as a main dish or a side, and customize it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream for a Tex-Mex twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Rice and Spices: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir to coat the mixture evenly with the spices.
4. Incorporate Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Add Peas and Finish Cooking: If using peas, add them to the skillet in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Continue to cook until the peas are heated through and the rice is fully cooked.
7. Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, and taste to adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful and comforting Spanish Rice with Ground Beef!