Can I swap the type of rice?

Stick to long-grain white rice as it's ideal for this cooking time. If using brown rice, you'll need to cook it longer and add more liquid.

Why get rid of extra grease?

Too much grease makes the dish oily. Leave a little for flavor and to keep it moist.

How can I tell when it's ready?

The rice is done when it's soft and the liquid has been absorbed, usually around 20 minutes. If it's still too wet, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer.

Can I make it spicier?

For more kick, throw in some extra chili powder or chop up jalapeños with the peppers.

Can I get it ready in advance?

It's best right after cooking, but leftovers heat up well. The flavors actually deepen when stored overnight.

Texas Hash - Simple Ground Beef and Rice Dish

A flavorful beef and rice dish with peppers and tomatoes served on a plate, surrounded by fresh bell peppers and a skillet of the dish. | lilicooks.com

I want to tell you about my go-to dinner that's saved me countless times when life gets hectic. I stumbled upon Texas Hash way back when I needed something filling that wouldn't keep me slaving over a hot stove all evening. This mix of spiced ground beef, fluffy rice and rich tomato sauce has turned into our family's comfort food staple - it's the kind of meal that gets everyone running to the dinner table, no complaints.

Simple Delight

The thing I really dig about this dish is how you can switch it up. Sometimes we stick to the basics, other days I throw in extra heat depending on what we're feeling. It works so well whether you've got company coming or just want something that'll taste even better reheated tomorrow.

Top-Notch Components

Getting Texas Hash right starts with grabbing the best stuff you can find. I won't use anything but 80/20 ground beef because it gives you that perfect mix of juiciness and flavor. Cutting your own veggies instead of buying pre-diced ones makes a world of difference, and don't forget to grab long grain rice for that ideal fluffiness.

Easy Process

Whipping up Texas Hash has gotten so easy in my kitchen now. Everything happens in just one pan, beginning with those veggies getting all soft and aromatic. Nothing beats that moment when the meat starts to brown and you toss in those spices - the smell that fills your kitchen is just amazing.

Flavor Balance

I've tweaked my seasoning mix over time till it's just right. You can't skip good quality chili powder, but the real game-changer is dry mustard - it adds something special. When I'm feeling fancy, I'll throw in a bit of smoked paprika or a dash of cumin for extra depth.

A serving of seasoned ground beef and rice with diced vegetables in a black bowl, surrounded by fresh peppers and cheese in the background. | lilicooks.com

Tasty Sides

We always put out warm tortillas for grabbing every last bit. A spoonful of sour cream on top just melts into all those spices so nicely. On special nights I'll bake up some quick cornbread that soaks up all that yummy sauce.

Rice Tips

It took me a while to nail the rice part but now I've got the trick. Don't skip quickly toasting it before adding your liquid - it makes the flavor so much better. Keep your burner low while it cooks and you'll end up with perfectly tender grains every time.

Veggie Boost

I love throwing in whatever veggies I've got around to make it healthier. Zucchini blends right in and nobody notices, while corn brings nice sweetness and color. It's a smart way to use up whatever's sitting in your fridge before it goes bad.

Prep Ahead

This stuff actually tastes better the next day after all the flavors have had time to get friendly with each other. I often cook it when I've got some free time so dinner's practically done on those crazy busy nights.

Saves Well

I always double the batch for freezing - it's like doing my future self a favor. Split into containers, it makes grabbing lunch or dinner so easy. Just let it thaw overnight and warm it up - the taste stays amazing.

A plate of seasoned rice mixed with ground beef and colorful diced vegetables, featuring green bell pepper and red tomatoes, garnished with a rich tomato sauce. | lilicooks.com

Dairy Additions

The melty cheese topping isn't optional at our house. We usually go for sharp cheddar but sometimes switch to pepper jack when we want some kick. There's something so satisfying about watching it bubble up under the lid - pure comfort food moment.

Lighter Options

When we're trying to eat better I swap in riced cauliflower instead. It works way better than you'd think and nobody really misses the carbs. Ground turkey makes a great substitute too if you're counting calories.

Crock Pot Method

On super busy days I throw this in my slow cooker. Just brown your meat and veggies first then let everything bubble away together. Coming home to that smell after a long day feels like someone's been cooking for you all day.

Quick Pot Wonder

My Instant Pot version saves the day when time's tight. The flavors come together amazingly under pressure and dinner's ready super fast. It's perfect for those nights when you suddenly realize you forgot to plan anything for dinner.

Protein Boost

I'll often dump in some black beans or kidney beans for extra goodness. They give a nice texture contrast and make the meal go further. It's also a lifesaver when friends drop by unexpectedly for dinner.

A plate of seasoned ground beef mixed with rice and colorful vegetables, served alongside a pot of the same dish. | lilicooks.com

Finishing Touch

Don't skip those last-minute additions that really elevate everything. Some fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, maybe chunks of avocado on top. These small extras turn an everyday meal into something that feels a bit more special.

Leftover Magic

This stuff keeps so well in sealed containers. Honestly it might taste even better on day two after all the flavors have mixed and mingled. Just heat it up and you've got an instant meal ready to go.

Taste Boosters

Try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce for richness or sometimes I put in just a tiny bit of sugar to balance out the tomatoes. These small tricks I've picked up make all the difference to the final taste.

Crowd Pleaser

This has become what I make whenever we have casual get-togethers. I just put out different toppings and let everyone fix their plate how they want. It's such a stress-free way to feed a bunch of people and nobody's ever disappointed.

Fun Variations

The basic recipe works as a jumping-off point for so many different versions. Sometimes we go full Tex-Mex with green chilies and hot sauce, other times we take it Mediterranean with some olives and crumbled feta. Each twist brings something new to love about this dish.

A close-up of a dish containing seasoned ground meat mixed with rice and colorful vegetables, served in a scalloped bowl. | lilicooks.com

Final Thoughts

This simple one-skillet dish blends ground beef with rice, tomatoes, and peppers. Perfect for a busy night when you want something hearty and satisfying.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I swap the type of rice?: Stick to long-grain white rice as it's ideal for this cooking time. If using brown rice, you'll need to cook it longer and add more liquid.
→ Why get rid of extra grease?: Too much grease makes the dish oily. Leave a little for flavor and to keep it moist.
→ How can I tell when it's ready?: The rice is done when it's soft and the liquid has been absorbed, usually around 20 minutes. If it's still too wet, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer.
→ Can I make it spicier?: For more kick, throw in some extra chili powder or chop up jalapeños with the peppers.
→ Can I get it ready in advance?: It's best right after cooking, but leftovers heat up well. The flavors actually deepen when stored overnight.

Classic Texas Hash