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Texas Rice

Texas Rice

Texas Rice is a bold and flavorful dish that combines rice, proteins, vegetables, and spices for a hearty meal. Its versatility allows for countless variations, making it a favorite in Texan and Southern cuisine.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1/2 green bell pepper chopped (ribs and seeds removed)
  • 1 can 28 ounces RO*TEL original 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
 

  • Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 400ºF (204ºC). Generously butter, grease with bacon fat, or spray a 9x13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
  • Rinse the rice in a sieve under running water, stirring and turning it. Repeat this process two more times.
  • In a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the rice and return to a boil. Stir, then reduce the heat to low as soon as it boils again. Cover with a lid.
  • In a large 12-inch skillet with high sides, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet. Once the bacon has cooled, crumble and set aside.
  • Add the ground beef, green bell pepper, and onion to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, then cook over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink and fully cooked through.
  • Transfer the cooked beef mixture and rice into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish. Add the diced tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and reserved bacon drippings, stirring until well combined. (Alternatively, you can mix everything in a large bowl first—it’s easier, but I prefer mixing directly in the casserole dish to avoid extra dishes!)
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  • Take a sheet of foil large enough to cover the dish and wrap over the edges. Spray one side with nonstick cooking spray. Cover the baking dish with the foil and bake for 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the center is heated through.

Notes

Make It a Main: This dish is highly versatile and can easily be turned into a main course by adding more vegetables. Just be sure to maintain the same liquid ratio.
Cut It First: For convenience, try cutting the raw bacon before cooking instead of crumbling it afterward.
Don’t Stick! Spray one side of the foil with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the cheese from sticking when you remove it from the oven.
Rice: Ensure the rice is fully cooked before mixing it with the meat and tomatoes.
Make It Yours: Customize this dish by adding fresh or frozen vegetables such as corn, green beans, black beans, or mixed veggies. Want more spice? Add jalapeños, green chilies, hot sauce, or Cajun/Creole seasoning. Serve with sour cream for extra flavor.