Name: Cowboy Beef and Rice Skillet recipe
Ingredients: Ground Beef: The heart and soul of this dish, ground beef provides the meaty foundation and robust flavor that defines “cowboy” cuisine. We recommend using lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to minimize excess grease while still retaining enough fat for flavor. You can also experiment with ground sirloin or even ground bison for a slightly different taste profile. The key is to use high-quality ground beef as it significantly impacts the overall richness of the dish. For a vegetarian or vegan option, consider using plant-based ground beef alternatives, ensuring they are suitable for skillet cooking and retain texture during simmering.; Long Grain White Rice: The fluffy, absorbent base for our savory beef and vegetable mixture. Long grain white rice is ideal because it cooks evenly and holds its shape well, preventing a mushy texture. While white rice is traditional, you can also explore using brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. If opting for brown rice, remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid quantity as it requires longer to cook and absorbs more liquid than white rice. For a quicker cooking option, consider using parboiled rice, which cooks faster than regular long grain rice.; Diced Tomatoes: These juicy, tangy tomatoes provide essential moisture and acidity to the skillet, balancing the richness of the beef and adding a vibrant, fresh element. Canned diced tomatoes are perfectly convenient and flavorful for this recipe. You can choose between regular diced tomatoes or fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky depth. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using diced tomatoes with green chilies for a subtle kick. Ensure you drain excess liquid from the diced tomatoes before adding them to the skillet to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.; Bell Peppers (Various Colors): Bell peppers bring a delightful sweetness and crisp-tender texture to the skillet, along with a boost of vitamins and vibrant color. Using a mix of bell peppers (red, green, yellow, orange) not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a complexity of flavors. Green bell peppers offer a slightly bitter note, while red and yellow bell peppers are sweeter. Orange bell peppers are a milder, sweeter option. Feel free to use your favorite combination or whatever bell peppers you have readily available. For a spicier kick, you could incorporate a small amount of chopped jalapeño or poblano pepper along with the bell peppers.; Onion: The aromatic foundation of countless savory dishes, onion contributes a pungent yet sweet flavor that deepens as it cooks, adding complexity to the skillet. Yellow or white onions are excellent choices for this recipe due to their versatile flavor profile. Dice the onion into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor throughout the dish. For a milder onion flavor, you can use shallots or sweet onions as substitutes.; Garlic: No savory dish is truly complete without the pungent, aromatic magic of garlic. Fresh garlic cloves, minced or pressed, are essential for infusing the Cowboy Beef and Rice Skillet with its signature savory depth. Use fresh garlic whenever possible for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-minced garlic, but fresh garlic offers a brighter and more intense flavor. Don’t be shy with the garlic; it complements the beef and vegetables beautifully.; Beef Broth (or Chicken Broth): The cooking liquid that not only cooks the rice to perfection but also adds another layer of savory beef flavor. Beef broth is the ideal choice to enhance the beefy character of the dish, but chicken broth works equally well and provides a lighter flavor profile. Low-sodium broth is recommended to control the saltiness of the final dish. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or even water in a pinch, though broth will significantly enhance the flavor.; Chili Powder: The signature spice that gives this skillet its “cowboy” kick and warm, Southwestern-inspired flavor. Chili powder is a blend of spices, typically including dried chilies, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. It adds a complex, slightly smoky, and moderately spicy flavor. Adjust the amount of chili powder to your spice preference – start with the recommended amount and add more to taste if you prefer a spicier dish. For a milder flavor, use a mild chili powder blend or reduce the quantity.; Cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin enhances the chili powder and adds a distinctive Southwestern aroma to the skillet. Ground cumin is readily available and easy to use. Its warm, slightly bitter notes complement the beef and other spices beautifully. If you have whole cumin seeds, you can lightly toast them in a dry skillet before grinding them for an even more intense flavor.; Dried Oregano: A classic herb in Southwestern and Mexican cuisine, dried oregano provides a slightly peppery and earthy flavor that complements the beef and spices. Dried oregano is readily available and adds a subtle herbaceousness to the dish. If you have fresh oregano, you can use it as a garnish at the end, but dried oregano is preferred for cooking as it releases its flavor more readily during simmering.; Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors and bring balance to the dish. Use salt to taste, starting with a reasonable amount and adjusting as needed. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its brighter flavor. Seasoning throughout the cooking process, rather than just at the end, helps to develop layers of flavor.; Optional: Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For a creamy, cheesy finish that melts beautifully over the hot skillet, shredded cheddar cheese is a fantastic optional addition. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, savory flavor and a delightful melty texture. You can use mild, medium, or sharp cheddar cheese depending on your preference. Other cheese options include Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based shredded cheese alternative that melts well.

Ingredients

- Ground Beef: The heart and soul of this dish, ground beef provides the meaty foundation and robust flavor that defines “cowboy” cuisine. We recommend using lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to minimize excess grease while still retaining enough fat for flavor. You can also experiment with ground sirloin or even ground bison for a slightly different taste profile. The key is to use high-quality ground beef as it significantly impacts the overall richness of the dish. For a vegetarian or vegan option, consider using plant-based ground beef alternatives, ensuring they are suitable for skillet cooking and retain texture during simmering.

- Long Grain White Rice: The fluffy, absorbent base for our savory beef and vegetable mixture. Long grain white rice is ideal because it cooks evenly and holds its shape well, preventing a mushy texture. While white rice is traditional, you can also explore using brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. If opting for brown rice, remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid quantity as it requires longer to cook and absorbs more liquid than white rice. For a quicker cooking option, consider using parboiled rice, which cooks faster than regular long grain rice.

- Diced Tomatoes: These juicy, tangy tomatoes provide essential moisture and acidity to the skillet, balancing the richness of the beef and adding a vibrant, fresh element. Canned diced tomatoes are perfectly convenient and flavorful for this recipe. You can choose between regular diced tomatoes or fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky depth. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using diced tomatoes with green chilies for a subtle kick. Ensure you drain excess liquid from the diced tomatoes before adding them to the skillet to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

- Bell Peppers (Various Colors): Bell peppers bring a delightful sweetness and crisp-tender texture to the skillet, along with a boost of vitamins and vibrant color. Using a mix of bell peppers (red, green, yellow, orange) not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a complexity of flavors. Green bell peppers offer a slightly bitter note, while red and yellow bell peppers are sweeter. Orange bell peppers are a milder, sweeter option. Feel free to use your favorite combination or whatever bell peppers you have readily available. For a spicier kick, you could incorporate a small amount of chopped jalapeño or poblano pepper along with the bell peppers.

- Onion: The aromatic foundation of countless savory dishes, onion contributes a pungent yet sweet flavor that deepens as it cooks, adding complexity to the skillet. Yellow or white onions are excellent choices for this recipe due to their versatile flavor profile. Dice the onion into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor throughout the dish. For a milder onion flavor, you can use shallots or sweet onions as substitutes.

- Garlic: No savory dish is truly complete without the pungent, aromatic magic of garlic. Fresh garlic cloves, minced or pressed, are essential for infusing the Cowboy Beef and Rice Skillet with its signature savory depth. Use fresh garlic whenever possible for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-minced garlic, but fresh garlic offers a brighter and more intense flavor. Don’t be shy with the garlic; it complements the beef and vegetables beautifully.

- Beef Broth (or Chicken Broth): The cooking liquid that not only cooks the rice to perfection but also adds another layer of savory beef flavor. Beef broth is the ideal choice to enhance the beefy character of the dish, but chicken broth works equally well and provides a lighter flavor profile. Low-sodium broth is recommended to control the saltiness of the final dish. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or even water in a pinch, though broth will significantly enhance the flavor.

- Chili Powder: The signature spice that gives this skillet its “cowboy” kick and warm, Southwestern-inspired flavor. Chili powder is a blend of spices, typically including dried chilies, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. It adds a complex, slightly smoky, and moderately spicy flavor. Adjust the amount of chili powder to your spice preference – start with the recommended amount and add more to taste if you prefer a spicier dish. For a milder flavor, use a mild chili powder blend or reduce the quantity.

- Cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin enhances the chili powder and adds a distinctive Southwestern aroma to the skillet. Ground cumin is readily available and easy to use. Its warm, slightly bitter notes complement the beef and other spices beautifully. If you have whole cumin seeds, you can lightly toast them in a dry skillet before grinding them for an even more intense flavor.

- Dried Oregano: A classic herb in Southwestern and Mexican cuisine, dried oregano provides a slightly peppery and earthy flavor that complements the beef and spices. Dried oregano is readily available and adds a subtle herbaceousness to the dish. If you have fresh oregano, you can use it as a garnish at the end, but dried oregano is preferred for cooking as it releases its flavor more readily during simmering.

- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors and bring balance to the dish. Use salt to taste, starting with a reasonable amount and adjusting as needed. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its brighter flavor. Seasoning throughout the cooking process, rather than just at the end, helps to develop layers of flavor.

- Optional: Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For a creamy, cheesy finish that melts beautifully over the hot skillet, shredded cheddar cheese is a fantastic optional addition. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, savory flavor and a delightful melty texture. You can use mild, medium, or sharp cheddar cheese depending on your preference. Other cheese options include Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based shredded cheese alternative that melts well.

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Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron or another oven-safe skillet) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it up with a spoon or spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and no longer pink. This process typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Browning the beef is crucial for developing rich, savory flavors and preventing a bland taste.

1. Drain Excess Fat: Once the ground beef is browned, carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet. This step is important to prevent the dish from becoming greasy and to ensure a healthier final product. Tilting the skillet and using a spoon to scoop out the fat is an effective method. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the browned beef to a colander to drain, then return it to the skillet.

1. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become softened and translucent and the bell peppers are slightly tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Sautéing the onions and bell peppers at this stage releases their flavors and creates a flavorful base for the rest of the dish. Don’t rush this step; allowing the vegetables to soften slightly enhances their sweetness.

1. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and dried oregano to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute, or until the spices become fragrant. This step, often referred to as “blooming” the spices, is essential for releasing their full flavor potential. Cooking the spices briefly in the heat enhances their aroma and infuses the dish with their complex flavors. Be careful not to burn the garlic or spices; cook just until fragrant.

1. Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and beef broth (or chicken broth) into the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – these browned bits add a lot of flavor! Ensure that the liquid covers the beef and vegetables evenly.

1. Add Rice and Simmer: Stir in the long grain white rice into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid. It’s crucial to keep the skillet covered during simmering to allow the rice to steam and cook properly. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this can release steam and prolong the cooking time. If using brown rice, simmering time will be longer, approximately 40-50 minutes.

1. Check for Doneness and Adjust Liquid (If Needed): After simmering for the recommended time, check if the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If the rice is still too firm or there is too much liquid remaining, continue to simmer, covered, for a few more minutes, checking periodically. If the skillet seems too dry before the rice is cooked, add a little more broth, about ¼ cup at a time, to prevent sticking and ensure the rice cooks through.

1. Rest and Fluff: Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid and become perfectly fluffy. After resting, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and incorporate any remaining moisture.

1. Add Cheese (Optional): If using cheddar cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover the skillet again (or place it under a broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning) and let the cheese melt and become gooey and delicious.

1. Serve and Enjoy: Your Cowboy Beef and Rice Skillet is now ready to be served! Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream (optional). Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, flavorful one-pan meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 450-550
Sugar: 5-7 grams
Sodium: 500-700 mg
Fat: 20-25 grams
Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
Fiber: 3-5 grams
Protein: 30-35 grams
Cholesterol: 80-100 mg