Texas Hash Skillet

This one-pan Texas Hash brings together juicy ground beef, fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and bold spices in a filling meal that's ideal for hectic evenings. You'll only spend about 15 minutes getting it ready before your oven takes over, making this down-home comfort dish big on taste but low on effort. I stumbled across this gem while looking for quick stovetop dinners and couldn't believe how these basic ingredients came together into such a fantastic meal.

Just last week, I made this for my husband who usually turns his nose up at anything 'mixed together,' and guess what? He grabbed seconds! The trick? Everything stays firm and distinct while still working together—no mushy mess here!

Key Ingredients and Smart Shopping Guidance

• Ground Beef: Grab 85% lean for the perfect balance of flavor without excess grease
• Rice: Stick with regular long grain (skip instant) for better flavor absorption
• Tomatoes: Keep all the juice—it's what cooks your rice properly
• Green Pepper: Adds brightness and pop; thawed frozen ones work in a pinch
• Chili Powder: Brings gentle warmth without making things too spicy

What makes this dish special is how the rice soaks up all those tasty juices from the meat and tomatoes while baking. You'll end up with something perfectly moist but never soggy.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Cook Meat with Veggies

Use a 12" cast iron skillet over medium heat to brown ground beef with chopped onion and green pepper together. This saves time and lets the veggies soak up meaty flavors. Keep cooking until beef isn't pink anymore and veggies start getting soft.

Step 2: Get Rid of Extra Fat

Tilt the skillet and spoon out any excess grease. This keeps your dish from ending up oily and helps the rice cook better.

Step 3: Mix in Everything Else

Add your undrained tomatoes, uncooked rice, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well so spices get everywhere.

Step 4: Cover It Up

Put a tight-fitting oven-safe lid or aluminum foil over the skillet. This trapped steam will cook your rice perfectly.

Step 5: Bake Until Done

Pop it into a 375°F oven for about 35-45 minutes. When it's ready, the rice will be soft and most liquid will be gone. Different rice types might need more or less time.

Step 6: Fluff and Top with Cheese

Take it out and gently stir with a fork to separate the rice. Sprinkle cheddar cheese all over the top while everything's still hot.

Step 7: Melt That Cheese

The heat from the dish will melt the cheese naturally. Want it extra melty? Stick it back in the oven uncovered for a couple minutes.

Step 8: Give It a Moment

Let everything sit for about 5 minutes before digging in. This settles the flavors and makes serving easier.

Step 9: Dish It Up

Serve straight from the skillet for that homey feel or move it to a nicer dish if you're feeling fancy.

Step 10: Save What's Left

Any leftovers can go in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3 days. They heat up great in the microwave.

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My first try at this left some crunchy rice because I didn't cover the pan well enough. Trust me, getting that tight seal with foil or a lid is the key to getting perfectly cooked rice throughout.

Wallet-Friendly Dinner Strategy

This Texas Hash shows how budget cooking should work—under $10 feeds five people generously. Your beef goes further mixed with rice and veggies, stretching your grocery money. Most ingredients are kitchen basics that you can stock up on during sales. The best part? One skillet gives you dinner tonight plus tomorrow's lunch, which honestly tastes even better reheated.

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Kid-Friendly Changes

When you've got picky eaters at home, this dish bends to fit everyone's taste. Heat-seekers can toss in extra chili powder or some diced jalapeños. For veggie-haters, chop those peppers and onions super tiny so they blend right in. My kids started gobbling this up when I let them add their own toppings—a dollop of sour cream, extra cheese sprinkles, or crushed tortilla chips for some crunch.

Switch It Up With Seasonal Veggies

This flexible dish welcomes whatever produce is in season. Summer means garden-fresh tomatoes and peppers straight from the vine. Fall? Try adding some diced butternut squash alongside your peppers. Winter works great with canned tomatoes and frozen peppers from your freezer. Come spring, stir in some fresh peas just before serving. These simple swaps keep meals interesting all year while using what's freshest.

Time-Saving Prep Tricks

For those crazy weeknights, get Texas Hash started ahead of time. Brown your meat and veggies, then stick them in the fridge up to a day before finishing the recipe. Or make the whole thing, cool it completely, and divide into freezer containers for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in your fridge, then warm it covered in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until hot throughout.

Insider Cooking Secrets

• Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika with your chili powder for richer flavor
• Swap water for beef broth if you want more savory depth
• A few drops of hot sauce builds background flavor without making it too spicy
• Let your beef get really brown before stirring for extra tastiness
• If you're not using cast iron, think about switching to a baking dish for even heat

I figured out these little tweaks after making this dish many times—especially that smoked paprika trick, which adds amazing depth without changing the overall character of the meal.

This simple skillet dinner has become my reliable standby when I need good food without spending forever in the kitchen. It gives you protein, starch, and veggies all in one pan, making it perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends when you want something that feels like a warm hug.

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This Texas Hash shows that amazing, satisfying meals don't need fancy methods or strange ingredients—just thoughtful prep and letting simple flavors do their thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap white rice for brown rice?

You sure can, but brown rice needs extra cooking time—around 15-20 minutes longer—and a bit more liquid, about 1/4 cup, to make sure it cooks through.

→ Can I replace beef with turkey?

Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat options work perfectly. Just note that leaner meats may make it less rich.

→ How do I spice it up?

Turn up the heat by adding a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers, extra chili powder, a splash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

→ What other veggies can I toss in?

Feel free to add some corn, diced zucchini, or black beans. Just toss corn or beans in with the tomatoes. Zucchini works best added with the onions and peppers.

→ Can I prep this ahead?

You can! Toss everything together up to step 2, then stash it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add a splash more liquid and adjust the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.