Grandma Bev's Spanish Rice

No matter how many times I make this recipe it still takes me back to my grandma's house.  I feel like I need to set up the t.v. trays to watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy while we eat.  I am 9 years old again just by the smell and the taste takes me back too.  Although I have made a few minor changes.  In my more adult years I have learned that I can not stand the taste of instant rice.  So I now use brown rice.  You can use instant to save tons of time.  That is completely up to you :) And I also opted to use no salt added or reduced sodium products.  So I guess I made it a tad healthier too ;)

I am so excited to share this recipe with you and I really hope you guys love it as much as I do!

Grandma Bev's Spanish Rice
1.5 cups low sodium beef broth
8 oz no salt tomato sauce
8 slices of reduced sodium bacon
1 medium spanish onion, diced
2 green peppers, seeded and diced
1 TBS minced garlic
1 lb ground beef
2 medium tomatoes, diced (you can use canned too if you wish, but drain them and use about 2-14 oz cans)
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup brown rice
1 can corn, drained

• In a small saucepan combine tomato sauce and beef broth
• Simmer on medium-low while you prepare the rest
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat 
• Brown bacon and drain on paper towels
• Drain bacon fat reserving about 2 TBS 
• Reduce heat to medium, add onion and green pepper, and saute for about 5 minutes or until soft
• Add garlic and cook for 1 minute
• Remove veggies and set aside
• Brown seasoned ground beef (salt and pepper) in the skillet and drain
• Heat skillet over medium-high heat, add rice to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes (or until the rice gives off a nutty aroma) stirring constantly
• Pour in boiling tomato sauce mixture along with everything else except corn
• Reduce heat low, cover, and simmer for about 50-60 minutes or until rice is tender (if you use instant rice this would go a lot quicker!)
• Check occasionally to make sure there is enough liquid (if needed add more beef broth or tomato sauce 1/2 cup at a time)
• Add corn, remove from heat, and enjoy!

This dish does require a tad more work, but it is so worth it!  Give it a try and I bet you'll love it!

The nutritional information is per serving.  This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 338 g

Amount Per Serving

Calories 379 Calories from Fat 78

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 8.7g 13%

Saturated Fat 3.1g 15%

Cholesterol 70mg 23%

Sodium 545mg 23%

Total Carbohydrates 42.1g 14%

Dietary Fiber 5.8g 23%

Sugars 8.4g

Protein 31.8g

Vitamin A 20% • Vitamin C 75% Calcium 4% • Iron 22%

Nutrition Grade A

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points

• High in manganese
• High in selenium
• High in vitamin C
• High in zinc