Layered Beef and Rice Bowl with Spiced Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty layered rice bowl featuring tender ground beef cooked in a robust spiced tomato sauce, served over fluffy steamed rice. This latin american ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground beef, white rice, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup white rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer rice for 18 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is fluffy. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While rice cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavorful.
  7. Step 7: To assemble, place a layer of steamed rice in bowls, spoon the spiced beef tomato sauce over the top, and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Layered Beef and Rice Bowl with Spiced Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Layered Beef and Rice Bowl with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Layered Beef and Rice Bowl with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Layered Beef and Rice Bowl with Spiced Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Layered Beef and Rice Bowl with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Latin American latin american like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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