Texas Rice: The Ultimate Texas Rice Casserole Recipe
Introduction to Texas Rice
Texas Rice is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of ground beef, bacon, and cheese, all melded together with fluffy rice. This casserole is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. With its hearty ingredients and simple cooking process, it’s a recipe that anyone can master, even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen.
A Personal Story Behind My Texas Rice Journey
Growing up in Texas, I was surrounded by rich culinary traditions that shaped my love for food. Texas Rice was a staple in our household during family get-togethers. I remember the aroma wafting through the kitchen as my mother prepared this dish, filling our home with warmth and love. It was always a hit with family and friends, and now, I cherish passing this recipe down to my children, ensuring that the flavors of our heritage live on.
What Makes This Texas Rice Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because it combines the savory richness of ground beef and bacon with the freshness of green peppers and onions, all topped off with melted cheddar and pepper jack cheese. The diced tomatoes and green chilies add a delightful zing, making every bite a burst of flavor. Plus, it’s baked to perfection, creating a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
The Full Texas Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and adjust the shelf to the bottom third. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside to prevent sticking.
- Rinse the rice in a sieve under running water, repeating the process 2 more times to remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
- In a saucepan with a lid, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, stir, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes until cooked.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon, leaving 2 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet. Crumble the bacon once cooled for later use.
- In the same skillet, cook the ground beef, green pepper, and onion in the reserved drippings. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until the beef is browned, usually about 7-10 minutes.
- Combine the cooked beef mixture and rice in the prepared baking dish. Add the diced tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese on top. For extra flavor, you can mix in a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes at this point.
- Cover the dish with foil, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray on one side to prevent sticking to the cheese. Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Texas Rice
This Texas Rice casserole can be served on its own or accompanied by a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. Consider garnishing with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for added freshness. If you enjoy a bit of spice, serve it with jalapeño slices or a side of salsa. For variations, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, or even add beans for a vegetarian twist. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to get creative!
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Rice
Can I make Texas Rice in advance?
Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just cover it well and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze Texas Rice?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just ensure it’s in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
What can I serve with Texas Rice?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as cornbread, coleslaw, or even roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Texas Rice Casserole
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish For baking the casserole.
- Saucepan For cooking the rice.
- Skillet For frying the bacon and meat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cup water
- 2 cup uncooked long grain white rice Rinsed before cooking.
- 1.5 pound ground beef
- 6 slice bacon Cooked until crispy.
- 1 onion Chopped.
- 0.5 green bell pepper Chopped.
- 1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and adjust the shelf to the bottom third. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside to prevent sticking.
- Rinse the rice in a sieve under running water, repeating the process 2 more times to remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
- In a saucepan with a lid, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, stir, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes until cooked.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon, leaving 2 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet. Crumble the bacon once cooled for later use.
- In the same skillet, cook the ground beef, green pepper, and onion in the reserved drippings. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until the beef is browned, usually about 7-10 minutes.
- Combine the cooked beef mixture and rice in the prepared baking dish. Add the diced tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese on top. For extra flavor, you can mix in a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes at this point.
- Cover the dish with foil, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray on one side to prevent sticking to the cheese. Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.