Mom’s Spanish Rice
This Spanish Rice recipe is stuffed with cooked rice, tomato sauce, ground beef, peppers, onions and seasoning. Delicious comfort food!
AN OLD SCHOOL VERSION OF SPANISH RICE
I just love the smell of Spanish Rice when it is cooking. There is just something about the smell of green peppers, onion and ground beef cooking that instantly takes me back to my Mom’s kitchen. Also, let me say, this is absolutely not authentic Spanish Rice. This is just the name it was given when my Mom was in Home Economics class (where she learned this recipe) in the 60’s. We know it is not authentic and don’t want to pretend otherwise.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
It is absolutely delicious with my Layered Taco Bake or Mexican Lasagna. If you have leftovers, try making some Stuffed Peppers.
It’s also great with fajitas or Chicken Enchiladas or some Chicken Enchilada Bake.
This is just the basic recipe for Spanish Rice. If you really want to amp up the flavor, try adding a little cumin and garlic powder! You could even sprinkle in a little oregano. Cilantro would also be a lovely addition.
They are very subtle differences. It all has to do with the seasonings. Mexican Rice has cumin in it and it has the flavors similar to red enchilada sauce. Spanish Rice is more tomato based and the flavors are a bit more subdued.
I haven’t tested it this way personally, but I have seen others use brown rice. I imagine you’ll need a bit more cooking time and probably some more water, tomato sauce, or other cooking liquid when making it.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat: put a cup or so of Spanish Rice into a microwaveable-safe bowl. Sprinkle with about a tablespoon of water or chicken broth. Cover with paper towel and heat for about 1 minute. Stir to make sure it is evenly warmed through. Microwave for additional 20-30 seconds if necessary.
You could reheat leftovers on the stove as well.
Yes. Once rice has cooled to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3-6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when ready to enjoy.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)
- lean ground beef
- tomato sauce– in place of tomato sauce, you could use salsa. This is an easy way to bring more flavor and even some heat to this dish if that’s what you prefer
- prepared white rice– If you are using boil-in-the-bag rice, you will need 2 bags of rice for this recipe. 2 cups of dry rice will make 4 cups prepared rice. This is a great way to use leftover rice also.
- green pepper– could be swapped out for red, orange, or yellow peppers
- onion
- salt and pepper
- shredded cheddar cheese– optional, but reallllly delicious when added.
HOW TO MAKE SPANISH RICE
In a large pot, add ground beef, green peppers and onion over medium high heat. Add a dash of salt and pepper to mixture. Cook until ground beef is brown and crumbled and veggies are tender. Drain excess grease.
Put ground beef mixture back into stock pot. Add prepared rice and can of tomato sauce. Stir until thoroughly combined and heated through. Taste and check for seasonings at this point. I usually feel it needs just a bit more salt & pepper.
Turn off heat and add cheese (if using) until melted. Stir mixture to combine and serve.
CRAVING MORE RECIPES?
- Mexican Rice
- Stick of Butter Rice
- Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce
- Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Taco Rice
Originally published: March 2011
Updated photos & republished: April 2019
Spanish Rice
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups prepared white rice
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large stock pot, add 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 green pepper, diced and 1 medium yellow onion, diced over medium high heat. Season with a bit of salt and pepper, to taste.
- Cook until ground beef is brown and crumbled and veggies are tender. Drain excess grease.
- Put ground beef mixture back into stock pot. Add 4 cups prepared white rice and 15 ounce can tomato sauce.
- Stir until thoroughly combined and heated through. Taste and check for seasonings at this point (I usually find I need to season with a bit more salt.)
- Turn off heat and add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (if using) until melted.
- Stir mixture to combine and serve.
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Oh, how I love Spanish Rice!! One can never have too many rice recipes, this one is added to my file!!
Oh dear, I could eat Spanish Rice until I turned into a blimp. I seriously love the stuff.
This looks so yummy! I love Spanish rice. Thank you for posting.
I haven't made this in years either. I guess I usually turn to pasta . . . but I think I know what's for an easy dinner tonight. It will comforting after — can you believe it? — another day of snow! And it's laying!!!
Great looking rice, and childhood memories:) My name is Rebecca Ann, but I go by several names. My friends call me Becky, my family calls me Beck, and when I was working I was Rebecca.
I really wish my hubby enjoyed rice more. This dish looks lovely and comforting.
🙂 Mandy
YUM! I always buy Uncle Ben's Spanish Rice, which makes me feel like I'm cheating in the kitchen…so I should try this!!!
In our home the magic smell is garlic and onions sauteing in olive oil. Love this recipe. Had many variations of it and your looks delicious, too!
Mmmm! That looks good; I'm all about one-dish meals!
Well, if 3 generations like this, it's got to be wonderful! I'd definitely add the cheese…so yummy!
Been looking for a spainish rice recipe for a long time! This one is going on my week-end menu! Thank you
I haven't made Spanish style rice in years…and have forgotten all about it. My children used to love it when they were little.
Love your recipe, and it turned out so yummy… Great side dish, as well!
You've given me another recipe I can't wait to try! I'm printing it right now. Thanks for sharing.
Jennifer
That looks so delicious. My daughter will love it. Thanks Mom Rebecca/Anne.
Speaking of our mother's names… my mom's name is Roxane which is beautiful on it's own but since she's a belly dancer she goes by Roxannah to sound more exotic. Haha! I love it! Spanish rice is one of those things that makes my stomach hurt just thinking of it. You know when you get drunk off a certain alcohol and can't stand the smell or sight of it? Spanish rice does that for me. I stuff myself off the stuff at my favorite Mexican restaurant and the stomach ache lingers in my mind for months. It's still lingering. In another month or so I'll be ready to give this a try!
Love spanish rice, look delicious! gloria
Yum, I bet this smells great when its cookin! Great recipe!! : )
Wonderful tasty dish Brandy! I love how you made it, you would make your mom proud!
I still have some recipes from my own home ec class that I had in high school over a decade ago. It would be funny to think of my daughter posting on them in a few years, but when you've got a winner recipe you keep it! This spanish rice looks great.
I can smell the peppers, onion and beef cooking from here. There's just not a lot that smells better than that combo. My husband is going to looooove this recipe. He loves Spanish rice in the restaurants and he loves it when it's not so "tomato-ey". Yours appears to be just "tomato-ey" enough for him. I have never attempted it at home but with your recipe now, I am going to surprise him. Thank you!
Looks delicious!
I used to work with someone that went to Tate! She graduated in the early 80's. Small world!
Thanks again for sharing! This is one of my little boy's favorite recipes.
I love love Spanish rice. This looks great! I would have to do ground Turkey dont-cha know but this just sounds perfect. Home Economics, we love you.
P.S. I like Rebecca too:)
Oh Elizabeth – you have me laughing out loud at that comment!! Bless her heart! All Moms have their strengths and weaknesses, right? 😮
I know what you mean! I love making dishes that my mom used to make. It just makes you happy doesn't it? So comforting and familiar. This rice looks outstanding. I will have to try it very soon!
Yum, this looks good!