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Looking for an easy dinner? Try this Texas Hash with ground beef, rice, tomatoes and pepper. This one-skillet meal starts on the stovetop and finishes in the oven, giving you a hearty, satisfying dish without a lot of effort. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need comfort food that doesn't require hours in the kitchen.
Last month, I served this to my husband who's usually skeptical of casseroles with rice and tomatoes. To my surprise, he went back for seconds and asked me to add it to our regular rotation. That's what I call a dinnertime victory!
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Ground Beef: 85% lean provides the best flavor balance
- Rice: Regular long grain, not instant, absorbs flavors perfectly
- Tomatoes: Use the juice; it's essential for cooking the rice properly
- Green Pepper: Adds freshness and color (frozen works too!)
- Chili Powder: Just enough for flavor without overwhelming heat
- Cheddar Cheese: Optional but adds a delicious melty topping
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Vegetables: In a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, diced onion, and green pepper until beef is no longer pink and vegetables begin to soften. Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks.
- Drain Excess Fat: Pour off any excess grease to prevent the finished dish from becoming too oily. This ensures a cleaner, more balanced flavor.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in tomatoes with their juice, uncooked rice, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the rice evenly throughout.
- Cover for Baking: Seal the skillet with an oven-safe lid or tightly cover with aluminum foil. This traps moisture needed for the rice to cook properly.
- Bake Until Tender: Place in a preheated 375°F oven for 35-45 minutes. The rice should be fully tender when done. Different rice varieties may require slightly different cooking times.
- Fluff the Rice: Once out of the oven, use a fork to gently fluff the mixture, allowing steam to escape and preventing the rice from becoming gummy.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the hot dish. The residual heat will melt it perfectly for a gooey, delicious topping.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.
- Serve Hot: Portion directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or transfer to a serving dish if preferred.
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I learned the importance of not peeking under the foil during cooking after my first attempt left me with crunchy, undercooked rice. The trapped steam is essential for proper cooking!
Family-Friendly Adaptations
This versatile dish welcomes adjustments for even the pickiest eaters. For spice-averse children, omit the chili powder entirely, adding it only to individual servings for adults. Vegetables can be finely diced until barely noticeable or substituted based on preferences. The comforting combination of beef and rice provides familiar flavors that help bridge the gap to new ingredients.
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Budget-Stretching Benefits
During tight budget weeks, this recipe shines as an economical meal solution. One pound of ground beef stretches remarkably far when combined with rice. Use whatever tomatoes are on sale - canned, fresh, or even your garden surplus. The basic formula remains delicious even when adjusted to incorporate whatever vegetables need using up in your refrigerator.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
Texas Hash fits beautifully into meal prep routines. The entire dish can be assembled up to the baking point, refrigerated overnight, then baked when needed (adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time). Leftovers reheat wonderfully in the microwave or oven and maintain their texture for 3-4 days when properly refrigerated in airtight containers.
Seasonal Serving Suggestions
Complete your meal with sides that complement the season. Summer calls for a fresh garden salad or steamed corn on the cob. Fall and winter pair beautifully with warm, crusty bread for sopping up the flavorful juices. For added nutrition year-round, serve alongside roasted vegetables tossed with complementary spices like garlic and paprika.
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Final Thoughts
This Texas Hash has become one of my go-to recipes when I need something hearty, comforting, and simple. It's the kind of unpretentious, satisfying meal that reminds me of home cooking at its best - straightforward ingredients transformed into something greater than the sum of their parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use brown rice instead?
- Yes, but increase cooking time to 50-60 minutes and add ¼ cup more liquid.
- → Can I make this without a cast iron skillet?
- Yes, use any oven-safe skillet or transfer to a covered baking dish.
- → How can I make this spicier?
- Increase chili powder, add diced jalapeños, or use fire-roasted tomatoes.
- → Can I add more vegetables?
- Yes, corn, zucchini, or celery work well. Add with the onion and pepper.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, freeze in airtight container up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in microwave.