Are you looking for a quick and flavorful meal? Look no further than our Chili Style Rice Bake, weighing in at 300 calories per 8 oz serving.
This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something easy to prepare but delicious to eat. It's filling and hearty, thanks to the combination of chili and rice, and will leave you feeling satisfied without weighing you down. Plus, it's got some great nutritional benefits, so you can feel good about what you're putting in your body.
Let's dive into the details of this tasty recipe, including how to make it, store it, and serve it up to your friends and family.
Ingredients
To make our Chili Style Rice Bake, you'll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can chili beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup rice
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your own taste preferences, and add any additional toppings you'd like.
Preparation
To get started, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Then, follow these steps:
- Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic in a large skillet until softened, then add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Drain any excess fat from the beef, then add in the chili beans, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Stir everything together and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- In a large baking dish, spread the cooked rice evenly over the bottom. Then pour the chili mixture on top of the rice, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly (if using).
Serve hot and enjoy!
Storage instructions
If you've got leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop the container in the microwave or oven until hot.
Serving suggestions
Our Chili Style Rice Bake is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with some tasty side dishes to round things out. Here are a few ideas:
- Green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Homemade cornbread or biscuits
- Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, carrots, or green beans
Get creative with your sides and make a complete feast!
Nutritional content
Our Chili Style Rice Bake is a healthy choice for a meal, offering a balance of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. Here's the breakdown per serving (8 oz):
- calories: 300
- Protein: 19g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 3g
Not bad for a tasty and satisfying dish!
Pros
Our Chili Style Rice Bake has a lot going for it. Here are a few of the pros:
- Quick and easy to make
- Hearty and filling
- Flavorful and delicious
- Nutritious and balanced
What more could you want in a meal?
Cons
While we love our Chili Style Rice Bake, there are a few cons to keep in mind:
- May be too spicy for some
- Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
- Contains some processed ingredients
Keep these in mind when deciding if this recipe is right for you.
Ingredients to avoid
If you're looking to avoid certain ingredients in your meals, here are a few things to keep in mind with our Chili Style Rice Bake:
- If you're sensitive to spice, you may want to adjust the seasonings or skip the chili powder and cumin altogether.
- For a vegetarian or vegan option, try substituting crumbled tofu or tempeh for the ground beef.
- While most of the ingredients in this dish are whole foods, the canned chili beans and diced tomatoes may contain added salt or sugars. Be sure to read the labels if you're watching your intake of these ingredients.
Don't let those pesky ingredients hold you back from enjoying a delicious meal!
Healthy alternatives
If you're looking to make our Chili Style Rice Bake a bit healthier, here are a few tweaks you can try:
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for more fiber and nutrients.
- Try ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner protein option.
- Add some chopped veggies like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to the chili mixture for even more nutrition.
- Skip the cheese on top to reduce the fat content.
These small changes can make a big difference in the overall healthiness of the dish.
Recipe variations
Our Chili Style Rice Bake is a great base recipe that you can adapt and change to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations you might like to try:
- Swap out the ground beef for ground chicken or pork.
- Add some hot sauce or diced jalapeños for an extra kick of spice.
- Top with some shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or avocado for a richer dish.
- Serve in individual bowls with some tortilla chips for a fun twist.
Get creative with your variations and have fun with this tasty recipe!
Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chili Style Rice Bake
1. What ingredients are in Chili Style Rice Bake?
Chili Style Rice Bake typically includes ingredients such as rice, ground beef, beans, tomato sauce, and chili seasoning. Some recipes may also include cheese or corn.
2. Does Chili Style Rice Bake contain gluten?
It depends on the recipe. Some versions of Chili Style Rice Bake may contain gluten if they include ingredients such as wheat-based soy sauce or flour. However, there are also gluten-free recipes available that use alternative ingredients.
3. Is Chili Style Rice Bake spicy?
Again, it depends on the recipe. Some versions of Chili Style Rice Bake may be quite spicy if they include a lot of chili seasoning or hot sauce. However, other recipes may be milder and more kid-friendly.
4. How can I make Chili Style Rice Bake healthier?
One way to make Chili Style Rice Bake healthier is to use lean ground beef or ground turkey instead of regular ground beef. You can also add more vegetables to the recipe, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. Using brown rice instead of white rice can also increase the fiber content of the dish.
5. Can Chili Style Rice Bake be frozen?
Yes, Chili Style Rice Bake can be frozen. To do so, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. It should keep for up to 3-4 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in the oven until heated through.