Texas Hash Skillet

This Texas Hash combines hearty ground beef, tender rice, fresh vegetables, and savory seasonings into a satisfying one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and the oven doing most of the work, this classic comfort food casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort. I discovered this recipe while searching for easy skillet meals and was amazed at how simple ingredients transformed into such a satisfying dinner.

Last week, I served this to my picky husband who normally avoids 'mixed' dishes, and he went back for seconds! The secret? The perfect balance of flavors and a non-mushy texture that keeps everything distinct while blending beautifully.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

• Ground Beef: 85% lean provides the best flavor while not being too greasy
• Rice: Long grain rice (not instant) absorbs flavors perfectly
• Tomatoes: Use the juice to help cook the rice; don't drain
• Green Pepper: Adds fresh flavor and color; frozen works if thawed and drained
• Chili Powder: Gives subtle warmth without overpowering heat

The magic happens when the rice absorbs the flavorful juices from the meat and tomatoes during baking, creating a dish that's perfectly moist but not soggy.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Vegetables

In a large 12" cast iron skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, diced onion, and green pepper together. This one-step process allows the vegetables to soften and absorb the beef flavors while saving time. Continue until the beef is no longer pink and vegetables begin to soften.

Step 2: Drain Excess Fat

Pour off any accumulated fat from the skillet. This ensures your final dish won't be greasy and helps the rice cook properly.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Stir in undrained diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute all seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Cover the skillet with an oven-safe lid or aluminum foil, sealing tightly. This trapped moisture is crucial for properly cooking the rice.

Step 5: Bake Until Rice is Tender

Place the covered skillet in a preheated 375°F oven for 35-45 minutes. The rice should absorb most of the liquid and become tender. Different rice varieties may require slightly different cooking times.

Step 6: Fluff and Add Cheese

Remove from oven and gently fluff the mixture with a fork to separate the rice grains. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top while still hot.

Step 7: Final Melting

The residual heat will melt the cheese beautifully. If you prefer a more melted cheese top, you can return it to the oven uncovered for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Rest Briefly

Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.

Step 9: Serve Hot

Scoop directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation or transfer to a serving dish.

Step 10: Store Leftovers

Keep any remaining Texas Hash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats wonderfully in the microwave.

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I learned the importance of properly covering the skillet after my first attempt left some rice undercooked. A tight seal with foil or a lid makes all the difference in achieving perfectly tender rice.

Budget-Friendly Meal Planning

This Texas Hash exemplifies economical cooking, costing under $10 for a complete meal that serves five generously. Ground beef stretches further when combined with rice and vegetables, making your grocery budget go further. The ingredients are common pantry staples that often go on sale, allowing you to stock up when prices are lowest. One skillet provides dinner plus lunch leftovers that actually taste better the next day.

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Family-Friendly Adaptations

For households with varying tastes, this dish adapts beautifully to different preferences. For spice-lovers, increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños. For vegetable-resistant family members, finely dice the peppers and onions so they blend in seamlessly. My children started enjoying this meal when I allowed them to add their favorite toppings – sour cream, extra cheese, or even crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

Seasonal Vegetable Variations

This versatile casserole welcomes seasonal produce throughout the year. Summer brings opportunities for fresh garden tomatoes and bell peppers. Fall variations might incorporate diced butternut squash alongside the peppers. Winter versions work perfectly with canned tomatoes and frozen peppers. Spring welcomes additions like fresh peas stirred in just before serving. These adaptations keep the dish exciting year-round while making use of what's available.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

For busy weeknights, Texas Hash can be partially prepared in advance. Brown the meat and vegetables, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before completing the recipe. Alternatively, prepare the entire dish, let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat covered in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.

Chef's Essential Tips

• For deeper flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the chili powder
• Replace the water with beef broth if you want a richer taste
• A dash of hot sauce adds nice background heat without making it spicy
• Let the ground beef develop a nice brown crust before stirring for extra flavor
• If using a pan other than cast iron, consider transferring to a baking dish for even heating

I discovered these refinements over many iterations of this dish - particularly the smoked paprika addition, which adds remarkable depth to the flavor profile without changing the overall character of the dish.

This humble skillet meal has become one of my most reliable go-to recipes when I need a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of protein, starch, and vegetables creates a complete meal in one pan, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something comforting.

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This Texas Hash recipe proves that delicious, satisfying meals don't require fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients - just thoughtful preparation and the confidence to let simple flavors shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you'll need to increase the baking time by about 15-20 minutes and possibly add an extra 1/4 cup of liquid as brown rice requires more cooking time and liquid.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. Just be aware that leaner meats might make the dish slightly less rich.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

You can easily increase the heat by adding more chili powder, a diced jalapeño with the bell pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Corn, diced zucchini, or black beans make great additions. Add corn or beans with the tomatoes; add zucchini with the onions and peppers.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare everything up through step 2, then refrigerate the mixture. When ready to bake, you may need to add a bit more liquid and increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes.