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Flavorful Macro-Friendly Mexican Rice with Lean Ground Beef

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A quick and satisfying Mexican-inspired rice dish with lean ground beef, packed with protein and bold flavors, perfect for meal prep or a hearty weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
  • 1 cup (190 g) long-grain white rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 g) tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 g) canned diced tomatoes (no salt added)
  • 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) beef broth or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon (2 g) ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon (2 g) smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon (1 g) chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil or avocado oil

Instructions

  1. Finely chop one medium onion and mince 3 garlic cloves. Rinse 1 cup (190 g) of long-grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch. Set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound (450 g) of lean ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer beef to a bowl and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon (15 g) tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Stir in the rinsed rice, coating it well in the tomato paste and onion mixture. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring often. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon (2 g) ground cumin, 1 teaspoon (2 g) smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon (1 g) chili powder. Stir to combine.
  5. Pour in 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) beef broth and add 1 cup (240 g) canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir gently and return the cooked ground beef to the pan, mixing evenly through the rice.
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
  7. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork. Add freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

Notes

If rice isn’t tender and liquid is gone, add a splash of water or broth and cook a few more minutes. Toasting the rice with spices and tomato paste enhances flavor and keeps grains separate. Use fresh spices for best taste. Warm broth helps even cooking. Let rice rest covered after cooking for fluffiness. Add lime juice at the end to brighten flavors. Can substitute ground turkey or cauliflower rice for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican rice, lean ground beef, macro-friendly, quick dinner, meal prep, healthy Mexican recipe, protein-packed, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/flavorful-macro-friendly-mexican-rice-with-lean-ground-beef-recipe-made-easy/