Texas Hash Dinner

This Texas Hash brings together filling ground beef, fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and bold seasonings in a delicious one-dish meal that's great for busy evenings. It takes just 15 minutes to put together, then the oven does all the work, making this down-home casserole big on taste but low on effort. I stumbled on this gem while looking for quick skillet dinners and couldn't believe how basic items turned into such a tasty meal.

The other day, I made this for my choosy partner who usually stays away from 'combined' meals, and he grabbed seconds! The trick? Just the right mix of tastes and a texture that isn't mushy, keeping everything separate yet wonderfully blended.

Key Ingredients and Shopping Advice

• Ground Beef: Pick 85% lean for optimal taste without excess grease
• Rice: Standard long grain (not quick cook) soaks up flavors wonderfully
• Tomatoes: Keep all the liquid to cook the rice properly; no draining
• Green Pepper: Brings brightness and pop; thawed frozen ones work too
• Chili Powder: Adds gentle warmth without making it too spicy

The dish really comes together when the rice soaks up all those tasty juices from the beef and tomatoes while baking, making everything perfectly moist but never soggy.

Straightforward Cooking Steps

Step 1: Cook Meat with Veggies

Using a big 12" cast iron pan over medium heat, cook beef, chopped onion, and green pepper at the same time. This combo method lets the veggies get soft and pick up meaty flavors while cutting down prep time. Keep cooking until beef loses its pink color and veggies start softening.

Step 2: Remove Extra Fat

Tip out any fat that's collected in the pan. This keeps your final dish from being oily and helps the rice cook correctly.

Step 3: Mix in Other Items

Add tomatoes with their juice, uncooked rice, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well so all spices spread evenly through the mix.

Step 4: Get Ready to Bake

Put an oven-safe top or aluminum foil over the pan, making sure it's tight. This trapped steam is key for cooking the rice perfectly.

Step 5: Cook Until Rice Gets Soft

Put the covered pan in a 375°F preheated oven for 35-45 minutes. The rice should soak up most liquids and become soft. Different rice types might need varying cook times.

Step 6: Loosen Rice and Top with Cheese

Take it from the oven and gently stir with a fork to separate rice grains. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top while still hot.

Step 7: Melt the Cheese

The hot dish will naturally melt the cheese. If you want it more melty, pop it back in the oven uncovered for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Let it Sit

Let the dish rest about 5 minutes before dishing up. This lets flavors blend and makes serving easier.

Step 9: Dish it Up

Serve straight from the pan for a homestyle look or move to a serving dish.

Step 10: Save Extras

Store leftover Texas Hash in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It warms up great in the microwave.

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I found out how important a good cover is after my first try left some rice hard. Using foil or a lid that fits tight really makes all the difference for getting perfectly cooked rice.

Wallet-Friendly Dinner Option

This Texas Hash shows how budget cooking can shine, totaling under $10 for a full meal that feeds five well. Ground beef goes further mixed with rice and veggies, stretching your grocery money. The stuff you need sits in most pantries and often goes on sale, so you can buy when prices drop. One pan gives you dinner plus next-day lunch that actually tastes better warmed up.

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Kid-Friendly Changes

For homes with different taste buds, this meal changes easily to fit everyone's likes. For heat fans, throw in more chili powder or some chopped jalapeños. For folks who don't love veggies, chop the peppers and onions tiny so they blend right in. My kids started eating this when I let them add their own toppings – sour cream, more cheese, or even broken tortilla chips for some crunch.

Changing Veggies With The Seasons

This flexible dinner welcomes different produce all year long. Summer lets you use garden-fresh tomatoes and peppers. Fall versions can mix in cubed butternut squash with the peppers. Winter works fine with canned tomatoes and frozen peppers. Spring welcomes fresh peas tossed in just before serving. These tweaks keep the meal interesting year-round while using what's fresh now.

Prep Ahead And Freezing Tricks

For hectic evenings, Texas Hash can be partly made ahead. Brown the meat and veggies, then chill up to 24 hours before finishing the recipe. Or make the whole dish, cool it fully, then split into freezer containers for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm covered in a 350°F oven until hot through, about 20-25 minutes.

Top Cooking Secrets

• For richer taste, mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika with the chili powder
• Use beef broth instead of water for deeper flavor
• A few drops of hot sauce adds nice background warmth without overpowering
• Let beef get good and brown before stirring to build more flavor
• If not using cast iron, try moving everything to a baking dish for even heating

I learned these little tricks after making this many times - especially adding that smoked paprika, which brings amazing depth without changing how the dish feels overall.

This simple pan meal has become one of my most trusted recipes when I want good food without hours of cooking. The mix of protein, carbs, and veggies makes a complete dinner in just one pan, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends when you're craving something hearty.

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This Texas Hash shows that tasty, filling meals don't need fancy cooking tricks or unusual ingredients - just good planning and letting simple flavors do their thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap white rice for brown?

You sure can! Just make sure to bake it 15-20 minutes longer and add about 1/4 cup extra liquid since brown rice takes a bit more time and moisture.

→ Is ground turkey a good substitute for beef?

Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options work great. Keep in mind that leaner meat might make it slightly less rich.

→ What can I do to make it spicier?

Want more heat? Add a chopped jalapeño with the peppers, throw in more chili powder, sprinkle some cayenne, or splash a bit of your favorite hot sauce.

→ Can I mix in other veggies?

Absolutely! Try adding corn, zucchini pieces, or black beans. Add corn or beans with the canned tomatoes, and toss zucchini in when cooking the onions and peppers.

→ How can I prep this in advance?

You can assemble everything through step 2 and refrigerate it. When you're ready to bake, you might need to add a little extra liquid and increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes.