When I think of home cooking, one of the meals that come to mind is my Grandma's Spanish rice. Rice dish. Main dish. Yummy Dish. Grandma's Spanish rice is a meal that I make every week.
My mom made this often when we were kids and she still makes it today for my Dad. It is an easy go-to meal that gets dinner on the table quick. Plus, it makes a lot so there are plenty of leftovers that Juliana and I will have for lunch the next day. Brian even takes it to work. All you need is one skillet which makes cleanup a breeze. This can easily be your main course since it is full of protein. I love to serve it with a green salad and some crusty bread.
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Mom says that this recipe came from my dad's mom, my Grandma Annetta. Boy do I miss her and her cooking! She passed away a few years ago. It's funny that she called this dish "Spanish" rice because I don't think there was any Spanish heritage in our bloodline. We are mostly Italian. Regardless, it is delicious and you have to make it. Here is my Grandma holding me when I was a little one.
I love dishes like this because I can fill it with chopped up veggies and the kids will gobble it right up not even knowing that kale, spinach or green peppers are in there.
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 lb grass-fed ground beef
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 can of tomato sauce
- 1 can of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups of dark leafy greens, chopped (I use kale or spinach)
- Brown ground beef with onions and green peppers until brown. Add can of tomato sauce plus water. Add brown rice. Bring to a boil and simmer on low for about 45 minutes. With a few minutes to go, add the greens. How easy is that? Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Enjoy with parmesan cheese and/or crusty bread.
So, how did I make this family favorite a little healthier?
- I used grass-fed beef from a local farm here is PA (Logan Family Farms in Irwin, PA)
- I used brown rice instead of white rice
- I added some leafy greens (I used spinach this time)
- I used fresh parmesan cheese instead of that powdery stuff
What is your family favorite recipe?
Ask yourself this question: What are three ways I can make it healthier? Remember - dinner does not have to be complicated to be healthy. I am all about quick, easy, and real when it comes to our meals.
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Yum, love recipes like this. Makes easy lunches too as leftovers!
Michelle, yes this recipe is awesome for easy leftover lunches. Your hubby will like it too! 🙂
Love the picture of Annetta and you! I haven’t made this in a long time,probably due to Nathan’s aversion to rice. Will definetly due soon. because it reheats well, it is perfect for work. Thanks! Love you!!!
Aunt Joan, yes, you gotta make it soon! Let me know how it turns out. 🙂
I think it’s better the next day!!
I’m making this tonight i think 🙂
How did it turn out Jen?
Betsy,
I think this must be a regional dish, because my grandmother from the same town – Washington, PA – makes this dish. Childhood comfort food at its best.
Thanks for reminding me of this one.
xo,
D
No way! Your grandma was from Washington, PA? What a small world! Do you make it too?
Betsy,
i forgot all about this dish. My Washington Pa Mom it too!
Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely! It is a favorite in our house!