If you're looking for a delicious and healthy dinner recipe, look no further than Spanish rice quinoa! This flavorful dish combines the traditional flavors of Spanish rice with the added nutritional benefits of quinoa, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthier.
Spanish Rice and Quinoa Dinner - The Perfect Combination
Quinoa is a versatile and nutritious grain that is packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's also gluten-free, making it a great choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Spanish rice, on the other hand, is a classic dish that is typically made with white rice, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. It's a flavorful and filling side dish that pairs well with a wide range of main courses.
By combining the two, you get the best of both worlds - the nutritional benefits of quinoa and the bold flavors of Spanish rice. Plus, quinoa is a great way to bulk up the dish and add more protein and fiber to your meal.
Ingredients
It's a simple ingredient list for this quinoa dinner! All you need is:
- ground beef
- diced tomatoes
- fresh or frozen green beans or bell peppers
- uncooked brown rice
- uncooked quinoa
- minced onion
- sugar
- salt
- Worcestershire sauce
- ground mustard
- garlic powder
- ground pepper
- hot pepper sauce
- Mexican blend cheese
Instructions
- In a large pan, cook the ground beef or buffalo on medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the meat, then return to the pan and stir in the remaining ingredients.
- Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low, cover and let cook for 30-40 minutes or until the rice and quinoa are cooked and tender.
- Top with mexican blend cheese or reduced fat cheddar cheese if desired.
Sides that Pair Well With Your Quinoa Dinner
Now that dinner is ready it's time to serve it up! Some corn pasta salad sounds good. For dessert, try some Mexican sno cones or some Mexican brownies.
Variations
This recipe is easily customizable to your personal tastes and preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add more vegetables: Try adding some chopped carrots, celery, or zucchini to the pot for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use different spices: Experiment with different spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Paprika, oregano, and coriander are all great choices.
- Make it vegan: To make this dish vegan-friendly, simply leave out the cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute.
- Add protein: If you're looking for a heartier meal, try adding some cooked chicken or shrimp to the pot before serving.
- Make it spicy: If you like your food with a little kick, add some extra chili powder or a diced jalapeño pepper to the pot.
Spanish Rice Quinoa Dinner
Equipment
- saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can 14.5 ounce diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups fresh or frozen green beans or bell peppers
- ½ cup uncooked brown rice
- ½ cup uncooked quinoa rinse and drain if necessary
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- Mexican blend cheese or reduced fat cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
- In a large pan, cook the ground beef on medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the meat, then return to the pan and stir in the remaining ingredients.
- Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low, cover and let cook for 30-40 minutes or until the rice and quinoa are cooked and tender.
- Top with mexican blend cheese or reduced fat cheddar cheese if desired.
- Serve with salad or a bean and corn salad.
Mel {MamaBuzz}
Mmmm, this has my mouth watering; it looks delicious! I like the added quinoa and the green beans. Thanks so much for sharing on Inspire Me Wednesday. Featuring you in next week's issue.