Easy Peasy Mexican Rice

            When I first saw the recipe, I told myself it was right up my alley. I need a dish that is easy to make, easy to clean up and great tasting. To me, there is not a whole lot better than a plate full of Mexican Rice. Especially on chilly nights, it warms you up inside with the heat and the spice. This has turned into another of those meals that if I am not careful, I will certainly eat it all myself.

            I have always thought that Mexican dishes have it all, the right choice of vegetable combinations, the spices and the appearance.

I remember a former employer telling me that if the food does not look good, it will not taste good. Decades ago, yet that still stays in the forefront of my mind. I did actually think about it for a long time at first. But, I have realized it is true.

If food is colorful and is garnished the right way, it tastes fabulous! That has to be the plan behind those super fancy restaurants with the $100.00 meals. You order steak and when it comes, you see 2 ounces on the plate, but dang! The plating is gorgeous!!

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Can I use Instant Rice?

You can, if that is the rice you normally use. I prefer to use Jasmine rice in this dish. Jasmine is a longer grain, white rice that tastes amazing.

            Do I have to use Ground Beef?

No, this dish can easily be made with steak, chicken or pork. The choice is up to you. I choose ground beef since it is economical and filling for my family. We just like the way it tastes together.

            Should I use a skillet or a Dutch oven?

You can use either. I can only say that you want a pan that is reasonably deep. You will be doing some boiling in here and if the pan is not deep, you will have a mess on the stove top.

What do you need to make Easy Peasy Mexican Rice

            1 small onion diced

            1 pound ground beef

            2 tbsp taco seasoning

            1 tsp garlic powder

            ½ cup salsa

            Salt and pepper to taste

            1 cup white rice

            1 ½ cups beef broth

            8 ounces tomato sauce

            1 can, 15 ounces whole kernel corn, drained

            1 cup Fiesta blend shredded cheese

How to make Easy Peasy Mexican Rice

FIRST STEP:

Using a large skillet, brown the ground beef.

a)

b)

Sprinkle with salt and pepper

a)

b)

c)

d)

Sprinkle with Taco seasoning and garlic powder.

Stir until well mixed

SECOND STEP:

Add in the beef broth, tomato sauce,  drained corn, salsa and the rice.

a)

b)

c)

Stir to combine

Cover the pan, bring to a boil.

Lower the heat and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender

THIRD STEP:

Sprinkle the cheese on the top

Cover again and let cheese melt for 5 minutes

Note:

This dish is a meal in itself. You could, however, serve it with tortilla chips and salsa, or even simple cheese quesadillas would be a perfect pairing. Many Mexican Restaurants will serve the customers, empanadas or a chimichanga with the rice.