Flavorful Spanish Rice Bake

This easy and delicious dish brings together vibrant spices, tender rice, and savory ingredients for a hearty meal everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s a comforting crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make.

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TIME1 hr

SERVINGS4

RATINGNew

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef ½ cup finely chopped onion ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (such as RO*TEL®) 1 cup water ¾ cup long-grain white rice ½ cup chile sauce 1 (4 ounce) can sliced black olives, or to taste 2 tablespoons sliced jalapeno peppers, or to taste (Optional) 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon brown sugar ½ teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (Optional) 1 pinch ground black pepper 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion and green bell pepper until the beef is nicely browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.

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Step 2

Next, transfer the beef mixture to a large pot and add in the diced tomatoes with green chiles, water, rice, chile sauce, olives, jalapeños, garlic, salt, brown sugar, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne, and black pepper. Stir everything together over medium-low heat.

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Step 3

Let it simmer gently, stirring now and then, until the flavors meld and the rice is tender, which should take around 30 minutes. Once it’s ready, mix in one cup of shredded Cheddar cheese.

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Step 4

Pour the mixture into a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish and press it down firmly. Sprinkle the remaining cup of Cheddar evenly over the top.

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Step 5

Pop the dish into the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 to 15 minutes. When it comes out, finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for a bright touch.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use long-grain rice for the best texture and fluffiness.
- Toast the spices briefly before adding liquids to enhance their aroma.
- Let the dish rest covered for a few minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is packed with bold flavors and comforting textures. It combines tender rice with savory spices and fresh ingredients, making it a satisfying meal for any day of the week. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Serving ideas

Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to add brightness and balance. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro can add a nice finishing touch.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the rice moist. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.