Easy Texas Hash with Rice and Beef Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, no-fuss meal that packs a ton of flavor and warms your soul, then you’ve got to try this Easy Texas Hash with Rice and Beef Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish manages to blend hearty ground beef, tender rice, and vibrant veggies all into one skillet wonder. When I first tried making this, I was amazed at how simple it was and how every bite felt so satisfying. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through everything so you’ll feel like you’ve got this recipe down pat, even if you’re a newbie in the kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s great about the ingredients in this Easy Texas Hash with Rice and Beef Recipe is how simple and easy-to-find they are – but together they create something so comforting. A quick tip: using a good-quality canned tomato with juice adds extra richness to the dish.

• Ground beef: Choose lean ground beef to avoid excess grease but keep enough fat for flavor.
• Onion: Yellow or white onions both work well; they bring sweetness and depth.
• Green pepper: Adds freshness and a little crunch—don’t skip it!
• Canned tomatoes with juice: I always go for diced tomatoes that come with their juice for extra moisture.
• Uncooked long grain rice: This type cooks up fluffy and holds together nicely in this dish.
• Chili powder: The key spice! Gives it that signature Texas kick without being overpowering.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and depth—this little splash makes a big difference.
• Minced garlic: Fresh or jarred works; garlic amps up the savory flavor.
• Salt: To taste; I like to start with half a teaspoon and adjust after baking.
• Pepper: Freshly ground is best for that gentle heat and aroma.
• Cheddar cheese (optional): For an extra cheesy finish, because who doesn’t love melted cheddar on top?

Variations

I love how versatile this Easy Texas Hash with Rice and Beef Recipe is. Over the years I’ve experimented with some tweaks, and honestly, it’s fun to make it your own—I encourage you to play around with the flavors and textures based on what you have and what you love.

• Adding Beans: I sometimes toss in black beans or pinto beans to boost fiber and make it heartier, which my family really enjoys.
• Spice it Up: When I want more heat, I add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños—Texas style! Just be careful if you’re serving kids.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternatives, doubling down on the veggies.
• Cheese Variations: Try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese to switch up the creamy topping.

How to Make Easy Texas Hash with Rice and Beef Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften the Veggies

Start by heating a large 12-inch cast iron skillet (or any heavy skillet you have) over medium heat. I like to use cast iron because it distributes heat evenly, but any oven-safe pan works fine. Toss in your ground beef, diced onion, and green pepper. Cook, stirring periodically, until the beef loses its pink color and the onions and peppers have softened nicely—usually about 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t rush—this step builds the foundation of flavor. Once done, drain any fat to keep it from getting greasy.

Step 2: Mix in the Rest of the Ingredients

Next, stir in the canned tomatoes with their juice, uncooked rice, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. I always take a moment here to really mix everything well — you want the rice surrounded by those tasty juices so it cooks perfectly. This step is key to making sure your rice doesn’t end up dry or clumpy.

Step 3: Cover and Bake

Cover the skillet tightly with an oven-safe lid or aluminum foil if your pan doesn’t have one. Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC), then pop the whole thing in the oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, checking at the 35-minute mark for rice tenderness. The rice should be soft but not mushy. If it needs more time, let it go another 5-10 minutes, just watch so it doesn’t dry out.

Step 4: Fluff and Cheese It Up

Once the rice is tender, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Use a fork to fluff the rice so it separates nicely. If you’re a cheese lover like me, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top and let it melt from the residual heat before serving. This cheese step is optional but trust me, it’s a game changer.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Scoop generous portions onto plates and get ready to enjoy some serious comfort food. It’s a dish that pairs well with simple side salads or corn on the cob. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully (we’ll get into storage tips later).

How to Serve Easy Texas Hash with Rice and Beef Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or sliced green onions—it adds a bright pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the beef and cheese. A dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado work wonders too for a creamy, cooling contrast.

Side Dishes

Pairing this taste-packed hash with simple sides helps round out the meal. My go-to sides include a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, roasted corn on the cob, or even some steamed broccoli for extra greens. If you want to keep it more indulgent, cornbread muffins are a crowd-pleaser alongside it.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Easy Texas Hash with Rice and Beef Recipe in mini cast iron skillets for individual portions—it feels rustic and charming. You can also garnish with tortilla strips or a drizzle of spicy chipotle sauce for a little flair. Turn it into a Mexican-inspired feast by adding a side of guacamole and fresh salsa!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I let the hash cool completely and transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it stays good for about 3 to 4 days. I find the flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, which makes for an easy next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, portion the hash into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and it’ll taste almost as fresh as when you made it.

Reheating

To reheat, I like using a stovetop skillet or microwave. When using the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice from drying out, and cover while warming through. This helps keep the texture nice and fluffy instead of mushy or hard.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Texas Hash with Rice and Beef Recipe has truly become a kitchen favorite of mine because it’s simple, satisfying, and just downright delicious. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together any night of the week and trust that everyone at your table will be happy. I’m so glad to share this with you—I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and more importantly, that it fills your home with that warm, comforting feeling we all crave.

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