Crockpot Ground Beef Spanish Rice

Crockpot ground beef Spanish rice is an easy & comforting one-pot meal. Ground beef, brown rice, tomatoes, and seasonings cook together in this aromatic slow cooker recipe that will have your kitchen smelling amazing as it cooks. This tasty family-family recipe can be served any night of the week! Instructions to make this protein-packed rice dish in the Instant Pot are also included. 

Ingredients For Ground Beef Spanish Rice

• Ground Beef
• Brown Rice
• Diced Tomatoes
• Broth or Water
• Onion
• Bell Pepper
• Garlic
• Seasonings: cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, oregano, paprika

How To Make Spanish Rice In The Crockpot

Slow Cooker

1. Heat oil large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the ground beef with salt & pepper and to the skillet. Cook the beef, crumbling it as it cooks, until it is no longer pink. Drain grease and add the mixture to the greased slow cooker.
2. Add the rice, onion, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, broth (or water), cumin, chili powder, salt, oregano, paprika, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
3. Cook HIGH 2-3 hours or LOW 4-6.

Instant Pot

1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté. Once hot, add the oil ground beef, onion, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook 5-7 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink.  Crumble the beef as it cooks. Drain excess grease from the pot.
2. Add the rice, diced tomatoes, broth (or water), cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir to mix well.
3. Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure and cook 22 minutes. When cooking time is complete, quick the release pressure.

What Is Spanish Rice

Spanish rice aka Mexican rice & arroz rojo, is a flavorful and popular side dish in Mexican and Spanish cuisine. Common ingredients include rice, tomatoes, onion, and seasonings like cumin, chili powder & paprika.  Spanish or Mexican rice is not a traditional recipe; what I love about it is that it’s one of those recipes where everyone has their own version. Usually served as a side dish, this slow cooker version includes ground beef and veggies to make it one-pot meal. 

How To Serve This 

Rather than be served as a side dish, it’s mean to be served as a one-pot main course recipe. Having said that, this still makes for a great side. alongside enchiladas, tacos, or even as a filling for burritos. This rice dish can also be served as a base for many meat or vegetable dishes like casseroles and stuffed peppers. 

FAQs & Tips

• You may need more or less beef broth. The amount of broth used will depend on the size of your veggies. Meaning, if you use a large bell pepper then you may need more broth. Be sure all the ingredients are fully submerged in liquid prior to cooking. If needed, additional broth the last 30 minutes of cooking. 
• The texture of this rice will be different than what you may be used to. The rice will be soft, almost like risotto. The end result should not be mushy rice. 
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 2 months. 
• Use your preferred ground meat! Other than ground beef, suggestions include ground turkey, chicken, or a even plant-based alternatives for a vegan/vegetarian version.
• Fluff with a fork before serving to separate the grains and give it a light and airy texture. 
• I used a 6-quart slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Ground Beef Recipes

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Hot Dog Chili Sauce

Zoodles & Meat Sauce

Spaghetti Squash, Meat, Tomatoes

Beef Queso Dip

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