There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty dish of Texas Rice. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with rich, savory aromas and makes everyone gather around the table with eager anticipation. This dish is packed with bold flavors, combining perfectly cooked rice with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and the heat of RO*TEL diced tomatoes with green chilies. Topped with a layer of melted cheddar and pepper jack cheese, every bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes.
Texas Rice is more than just a side dish—it’s a meal in itself. With its origins rooted in Southern and Tex-Mex cuisine, this dish is a staple at potlucks, family dinners, and backyard barbecues. It’s the kind of recipe that feels nostalgic, reminding you of home-cooked meals and warm, comforting flavors. Whether served alongside grilled chicken, steak, or even on its own with a side of cornbread, it never fails to be a crowd-pleaser.
What makes Texas Rice truly special is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level, add extra vegetables, or swap out the protein to suit your preferences. It’s also an excellent meal-prep option since it stores and reheats well. So, whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a busy weeknight dinner, or meal prep for the week ahead, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy.
Now, let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe, its health benefits, and, of course, how to make it from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Texas Rice recipe is one of those dishes that checks all the right boxes—easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your regular meal rotation:
- Bursting with Flavor – The combination of crispy bacon, savory ground beef, sautéed onions, and bell peppers creates a deep, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor profile. The RO*TEL tomatoes with green chilies add just the right amount of heat and tanginess.
- Cheesy and Satisfying – With both cheddar and pepper jack cheese melted on top, every bite is gooey, creamy, and utterly delicious. The cheese also helps balance the spice, making it appealing to all taste preferences.
- Perfect for Families – This dish is hearty enough to feed a crowd and is loved by both kids and adults. You can adjust the spice level to make it milder or spicier, depending on your family’s preferences.
- Great for Meal Prep – Texas Rice stores well in the fridge, making it a fantastic option for leftovers. Simply reheat and enjoy a quick, flavorful meal anytime.
- Customizable and Versatile – You can add black beans, corn, jalapeños, or even swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken. There are so many ways to make it your own!
Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or just a cozy night at home, this dish will always deliver comfort and flavor.
Health Benefits
While Texas Rice is definitely a comforting dish, it also offers several nutritional benefits, especially when balanced with the right ingredients. Here’s why this dish can be a great addition to your diet:
- High in Protein – The combination of ground beef and cheese provides a good amount of protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle health. If you want to make it even leaner, you can use ground turkey or chicken.
- Rich in Fiber – Adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes not only enhances the flavor but also increases the fiber content. Fiber aids digestion and promotes gut health.
- Contains Essential Vitamins and Minerals – Bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C, while tomatoes provide a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant known for its heart-health benefits.
- Customizable for a Healthier Version – You can swap out white rice for brown rice or quinoa to boost the fiber content. Reducing the amount of cheese or using low-fat cheese is another way to make it lighter.
By making small adjustments, you can enjoy the bold flavors of Texas Rice while keeping it nutritious and balanced.
Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 450 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fats: 20g
This dish is filling and provides a balanced mix of carbs, protein, and fats. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, you can reduce the cheese or use leaner protein options.
Ingredients List
To make this delicious Texas Rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice (you can use brown rice for a healthier option)
- 6 slices turkey bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can RO*TEL diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 4 cups water
These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to create an incredibly satisfying dish.
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) so it’s ready by the time you assemble the dish.
- Prepare the Rice – Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then add the rice. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender. Set aside.
- Cook the Bacon – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Once done, remove it from the pan, let it cool slightly, and crumble it into small pieces. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the pan.
- Brown the Ground Beef – In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the Vegetables – Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine Everything – In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked rice, beef mixture, and crumbled bacon. Stir well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Assemble in a Baking Dish – Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping – Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake – Cover the dish with aluminum foil (spray the underside with nonstick spray to prevent sticking). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy – Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve warm.
How to Serve
- As a Main Dish – Serve with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.
- As a Side Dish – Pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or barbecue ribs.
- With Tortillas – Spoon it into warm tortillas for a delicious taco-style meal.
Pairing Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Coleslaw, cornbread, or sautéed greens
- Drinks: Fresh lemonade or sweet tea
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave or bake at 350°F until warmed through.
How to Make Texas Rice Ahead of Time
If you love meal prepping, Texas Rice is an excellent make-ahead dish that saves time while delivering bold, delicious flavors. You can prepare the entire recipe a day in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve. After assembling the dish in a baking dish, cover it tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the oven. If baking directly from the fridge, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Alternatively, you can prepare individual components ahead of time. Cook the rice, brown the beef, and sauté the vegetables up to two days in advance, then store them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to make the dish, simply mix everything together, top with cheese, and bake. This method allows for quicker assembly and keeps the dish tasting fresh.
For longer storage, assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed. Texas Rice is also great for batch cooking—make a double portion and freeze one for later so you always have a homemade meal ready to go.
Different Ways to Customize Texas Rice
Texas Rice is one of those dishes that you can easily tweak to match your personal preferences. Whether you want to make it spicier, heartier, or even lighter, there are plenty of ways to customize it.
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture while cooking. You can also swap the pepper jack cheese for habanero or ghost pepper cheese for extra heat.
If you want to make the dish more filling, try mixing in black beans, corn, or sautéed mushrooms. These additions not only enhance the texture but also provide extra fiber and nutrients. For a slightly smoky flavor, you can substitute turkey bacon with smoked beef sausage or chorizo.
The best part about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with new ingredients, Texas Rice will always be a satisfying and comforting dish.
Serving Texas Rice for Special Occasions
Texas Rice isn’t just for weeknight dinners—it’s also a fantastic dish to serve for special occasions and gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a family get-together, a potluck, or a game-day party, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
For a Tex-Mex-themed meal, serve Texas Rice alongside fajitas, grilled chicken, or carne asada. A fresh avocado salad, homemade guacamole, and warm tortillas can make it even more festive. If you’re hosting a barbecue, this rice pairs beautifully with smoked brisket, grilled ribs, or barbecue chicken.
To make it a standout party dish, consider baking it in a cast-iron skillet and topping it with extra cheese and fresh cilantro right before serving. If serving buffet-style, keep it warm in a slow cooker so guests can enjoy it throughout the event.
For holiday gatherings, Texas Rice can be a unique side dish to complement roasted meats and hearty casseroles. With its rich, cheesy goodness and bold flavors, it adds something special to any festive meal.
How to Repurpose Leftover Texas Rice
If you find yourself with leftovers, there are plenty of ways to turn Texas Rice into a new meal. One of the easiest ways is to use it as a filling for burritos or tacos. Just scoop some of the rice mixture into a tortilla, add fresh toppings like salsa, avocado, or sour cream, and roll it up for a delicious handheld meal.
Another great option is to use Texas Rice as a stuffing for bell peppers. Cut the tops off bell peppers, remove the seeds, and stuff them with the leftover rice mixture. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
For a completely different approach, use the leftovers to make a Tex-Mex rice casserole. Mix in a can of drained black beans, an extra cup of cheese, and a little salsa, then bake until bubbly. With a little creativity, leftover Texas Rice can easily become a brand-new dish that tastes just as good as the original.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Texas Rice without meat?
Yes! You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and bacon. Instead, add black beans, mushrooms, or extra vegetables for a hearty, meat-free alternative.
What can I use instead of RO*TEL tomatoes?
If you can’t find RO*TEL diced tomatoes with green chilies, you can use a combination of regular diced tomatoes and a small can of chopped green chilies.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great alternative, but it may require a longer cooking time. Adjust the liquid and cooking time according to the package instructions.
How spicy is Texas Rice?
The spice level depends on the ROTEL tomatoes and the cheese you use. If you prefer a milder dish, choose mild ROTEL and cheddar cheese instead of pepper jack.
Can I freeze Texas Rice?
Yes, Texas Rice freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
The best way to reheat Texas Rice is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. You can also microwave it with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Texas Rice is the ultimate comfort food that brings people together. Try it today and let us know how it turns out!
Print
Texas Rice
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
This Texas Rice recipe is a bold and cheesy dish made with ground beef, bacon, sautéed vegetables, and RO*TEL tomatoes, all baked to perfection with melted cheddar and pepper jack cheese. Perfect as a side or main dish!
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can RO*TEL diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Rinse and cook rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
- Cook turkey bacon until crispy, then crumble it.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned, then drain excess grease.
- Add onions and bell peppers to the beef and sauté until softened.
- Stir in RO*TEL tomatoes, salt, and pepper, cooking for 5 minutes.
- Mix cooked rice, beef mixture, and crumbled bacon in a large bowl.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or extra chili flakes.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Southern