Introduction
This delicious dish combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, rice, and vegetables, all brought together with the tangy kick of Ro*Tel® and spices. Topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro and crispy tortilla chips, it makes for a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 8 ounces ground beef
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 cup basmati rice
– 1 (10-ounce) can Ro*Tel® Mild Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies
– 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or roasted)
– ¼ teaspoon chili powder
– ¼ teaspoon cumin
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
– ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– ¼ cup crushed tortilla chips
– 1 Roma tomato, diced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, minced garlic, and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned, which should take approximately 3-5 minutes. While cooking, use a spatula to break the beef into small pieces. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Add the basmati rice to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir the rice and cook it for about 2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly.
Step 3: Simmer the Mixture
Incorporate the can of Ro*Tel® Mild Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies along with 1½ cups of water into the skillet. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer, which should take about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add Seasoning and Cook the Rice
Stir in the corn kernels, chili powder, and cumin. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Bring the entire mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet, reduce the heat, and allow it to simmer for approximately 13-16 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.
Step 5: Incorporate Roasted Red Peppers
Once the rice is cooked through, stir in the chopped roasted red peppers. Cook for an additional minute until the red peppers are heated.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top. Cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt, which should take around 2 minutes.
Step 7: Serve the Dish
Serve the dish immediately, garnished with crushed tortilla chips, diced Roma tomato, and chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
Ensure the beef is thoroughly cooked and browned before draining the fat. Adjust the seasoning to your preference; additional spices can enhance the flavor. The dish can be customized with additional toppings or vegetables based on your preferences. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Cook techniques
Skillet Searing
Heat olive oil in a large skillet to sear the ground beef, garlic, and onion, allowing them to brown and develop flavor.
Toasting Rice
Stir the basmati rice in the skillet after browning the beef to toast the grains, enhancing their nutty flavor.
Simmering
Bring the mixture to a simmer after adding the canned tomatoes and water, allowing the flavors to meld before adding the rice.
Cover and Cook
Cover the skillet to trap steam while cooking the rice, resulting in perfectly tender grains.
Melting Cheese
Top the cooked mixture with shredded cheeses and cover briefly to ensure the cheeses melt evenly.
Garnishing
Finish the dish with crushed tortilla chips, diced Roma tomato, and fresh cilantro for added texture and brightness.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for the ground beef.
What can I use instead of basmati rice?
You can use jasmine rice or long-grain white rice as alternatives to basmati rice.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with a meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of water.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can add more chili powder or use a spicier variety of canned tomatoes.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and reheat them together before serving.
Conclusion
This savory dish combines hearty ingredients to create a delicious one-pot meal that is both satisfying and flavorful. The blend of spices, cheeses, and fresh garnishes rounds out the dish, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful combination of ground beef, rice, and vibrant toppings that infuse each bite with flavor.
Mexican Quinoa Skillet
Substitute the basmati rice for quinoa and include black beans for added protein. Top with avocado and a squeeze of lime for freshness.
Cheesy Beef Enchiladas
Use the ground beef mixture as a filling for enchiladas, and bake them with enchilada sauce and cheese until bubbly and golden.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use the beef and rice mixture to stuff bell peppers, then bake until the peppers are tender. Top with extra cheese before serving.
Mexican Fried Rice
Repurpose leftover beef and rice to create a stir-fried dish with added vegetables and eggs for a delicious twist.
Beef Taco Salad
Transform the beef mixture into a taco salad by serving it over lettuce with tortilla chips, avocado, and your favorite taco toppings.
Spicy Chili Mac
Combine the cooked rice with some elbow macaroni, a spicy tomato sauce, and extra cheese for a comforting chili mac that’s sure to please.
