Description
Texas Hash is a hearty, comforting casserole combining ground beef, vegetables, tomatoes, and rice, baked together until flavorful and tender. This classic dish is perfect for a filling family dinner and can be topped with melted cheddar cheese for extra richness.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 16 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375° F to prepare for baking the dish.
- Cook Beef and Vegetables: Warm a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef along with the sliced onions and chopped green bell pepper until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, uncooked rice, salt, chili powder, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and well combined.
- Bake the Dish: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the rice becomes tender, absorbing the tomato juices and spices.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, remove the cover and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dish. Return the skillet to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Serve while warm.
Notes
- Using a cast iron or oven-safe skillet is important to ensure even baking and heat retention.
- Adjust the chili powder to your preferred spice level; start with 1 teaspoon and add more if you like it spicier.
- For a lower fat version, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
- The rice cooks within the tomato mixture during baking, so no pre-cooking of rice is needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Texan
