Texas hash is a hearty, one-skillet meal perfect for a cozy night in.
It’s loaded with savory ground beef, tender veggies, and fluffy rice simmered in a tomato-based sauce. And let’s not forget the cheesy goodness on top!
It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. Whether you bake it or use the stovetop, you can’t go wrong!
Why You’ll Love This Texas Hash
Simple Comfort Food: Texas hash is all about simplicity and comfort. The familiar flavors and hearty ingredients taste like mom’s cooking.
Quick & Easy: Made in one skillet, Texas hash is incredibly convenient and quick. It’s a complete meal with no side dishes required.
Family-Friendly Flavor: The combination of ground beef, rice, and vegetables creates a satisfying dinner. It will be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Versatile Dish: You can easily customize this dish to your tastes. Add different vegetables, adjust the spices, or try a different cheese.
Ingredients
- Lean Ground Beef: It provides a hearty, protein-packed base for this classic dish.
- Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Celery: The holy trinity of vegetables! They add depth, texture, and a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic: It’s minced and cooked until fragrant for aromatics and flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes: For the tomato-based sauce. The acidity balances the richness of the beef. Be sure to use the juices, too.
- Uncooked Long-Grain White Rice: It’s the perfect canvas for absorbing all the delicious flavors and making the dish more hearty.
- Chili Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper: A simple yet effective blend of spices to enhance the overall flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: It adds a savory, umami-rich depth, enhancing the beefy flavors.
- Water or Beef Broth: It allows the rice to cook and the flavors to meld seamlessly.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: It’s optional but highly recommended. Cheese adds a creamy, tangy, and irresistibly gooey finish to the dish.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing and browning.
How to Make Texas Hash
Anytime I want something hearty and satisfying, I make Texas hash. It’s so quick and easy. Here’s how to make this family-friendly dish:
1. Prep (Optional). If baking, preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cook. Cook the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and celery for about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add. Add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in the seasonings.
4. Combine. Add the diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, and water or beef broth. Stir well to combine.
5. Boil & simmer. Bring to a boil. Cover the skillet and simmer for about 20-25 minutes.
6. Bake (Optional). Transfer to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Top (Optional). Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the top and bake for 5 minutes.
8. Serve. Fluff the rice. Serve hot.
Tips For the Best Texas Hash
Texas hash is like a warm hug in a skillet! Before enjoying it with your family, check out these helpful tips:
- Go lean. Use lean ground beef (90% or higher) to minimize excess fat and grease in the dish.
- Fresh is best. I use canned diced tomatoes for convenience. But you can also use fresh diced tomatoes when in season.
- Don’t mess with the rice. Stick with a long-grain white rice variety for the best texture and consistency. Other types of rice may require adjusting the liquid and cooking time.
- Tailor the spice. Adjust the amount of chili powder to your desired level of spiciness. Start with less and add more to taste. For a spicier dish, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Make it your own. Customize the dish by adding other ingredients like corn, black beans, or diced jalapeños. For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
How to Store
For weeknight dinners or potlucks, Texas hash will become a new favorite.
Even so, sometimes there are leftovers. And you know what that means, right? You’ve got lunch ready for tomorrow!
To Store: Let leftovers cool completely. Place them in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Transfer cooled leftovers to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Or, reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
I love the recipes we have tried so far!
Keep up the good work😊