Zesty Spanish Rice is a great recipe that I received from a cooking pal, though I modified it a bit from the original recipe he gave me. During the work-week, sometimes only a fast, one-pan meal will do. At our house, it seems like I rely on these a lot to get dinner on the table with little fuss. With kids’ activities, work, and just trying to fully participate in life, it’s nice to have recipes like Zesty Spanish Rice. With a healthy spinach salad, it makes a full meal.

The best thing about this recipe is that you make it and basically forget it for 45 minutes. That gives me time to help with homework, exercise, or (gasp) blog! The smoky flavors of the paprika and the bacon are a huge hit with our crew, and the added veggies with the onions, tomatoes, peppers, and garlic sneak in a few extra nutrients. This is a homey dish that warms you to the core. I think you’ll really like it!

Zesty Spanish Rice Recipe…

Ingredients:

8 slices bacon, fried and crumbled

1 lb. hamburger, browned and drained

1 onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 t. smoked paprika

1 t. Kosher salt

½ t. garlic powder

1 c. basmati or other regular rice (do not use instant rice)

14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes with garlic and basil, undrained

4 c. tomato juice

After locating all the ingredients, you will want to get that oven preheated to  350℉. I then cook the bacon in the microwave between paper towels. (This removes more grease.) While the bacon is cooking, I work on browning the hamburger. Be sure to drain this after cooking…I think that any extra fat is undesirable and gives a greasy texture to the finished casserole. Next, add minced garlic to the hot hamburger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Next, mix together all the ingredients and place in a greased 9×13 pan. (It will be a little soupy, but don’t worry. The rice will soak up the liquid.) Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. After the 45 minutes have gone by, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. The liquid will be mostly absorbed. Now is the fun part…dish it up and eat it!

If you would like a printer-friendly copy of the recipe, please click here.

With a few simple ingredients, you can be a dinner super star! By mixing up Zesty Spanish Rice, you’ll have more time for the important parts of life. Enjoy time with your family, go for a walk, or just sit down and read. Whatever you decide, let those 45 minutes of freedom be something you enjoy. Have a great day! (And thanks, John, for a winning recipe!!!)