Savory Texas Hash Skillet Recipe

Looking for a comforting and hassle-free meal that screams Texas flavor? Look no further than the Tasty Texas Hash Skillet! This one-pan wonder combines juicy ground beef, fluffy rice, crunchy veggies, and aromatic spices to create a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner without all the fuss.

I discovered this gem while on the hunt for quick skillet dinners, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. The best part? You only need about 15 minutes to prep, then let your oven do the rest of the work. The magic happens as the rice soaks up all the savory juices from the meat and tomatoes, resulting in a perfectly moist yet never soggy dish. Plus, with the flexibility to customize the heat level and veggie ratio, this Tasty Texas Hash Skillet is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Trust me, this budget-friendly meal under $10 is a winner for the whole family, making it a go-to recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Quick Benefits

• Convenient One-Pan Meal: Easy and quick to prepare, perfect for busy nights.
• Budget-Friendly: Cost-effective dish that feeds a crowd using basic ingredients.
• Customizable: Adaptable to personal preferences by adjusting spice levels and ingredient quantities.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Prep ahead for convenience or freeze for future meals, saving time and effort.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Texas Hash Skillet Recipe Recipe

• Effortless One-Pan Meal: Perfect for busy days, this recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep time before your oven does the rest, making it a hassle-free dinner option.
• Bold Flavors: With juicy ground beef, aromatic spices, and the perfect blend of veggies, this dish offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Texture Harmony: Each ingredient retains its texture, creating a delightful contrast that elevates the dish without anything turning mushy or bland.
• Budget-Friendly: Running under $10 for a meal that serves five people, this recipe showcases how to create a delicious and satisfying dinner without breaking the bank.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable to different tastes and preferences, you can adjust the spice level, veggie sizes, and toppings to cater to everyone at your table.
• Seasonal Flexibility: Utilize whatever produce is in season to keep the dish fresh and exciting throughout the year, making it a go-to recipe for all seasons.
• Meal Prep and Freezer-Friendly: Whether prepping ahead for a busy week or storing leftovers for later, this dish can be made in advance and frozen for up to three months, providing a convenient meal solution.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish, especially when they can customize their own toppings, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Cozy Comfort Food: Perfect for cozy nights in, this Texas Hash skillet offers a warm embrace of protein, carbs, and veggies all in one pan, giving you a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Savory Texas Hash Skillet Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ cup raw long grain rice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (if you want)
• 2 cups diced tomatoes with liquid (16 ounces)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to liking
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (roughly ¾ cup)

Pro Tips for Savory Texas Hash Skillet Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To ensure perfectly cooked rice, make sure to tightly cover the skillet with foil or a lid before baking. This step helps the rice soak up all the flavorful juices from the meat and tomatoes while preventing it from turning out crunchy. Achieving that tight seal is key to getting moist, fluffy rice every time.

Pro Tip 2: Customize this Texas Hash to suit different taste preferences by adjusting the spice level or vegetable sizes. For a spicier kick, add more chili powder or jalapeños. If you have picky eaters, finely chop the peppers and onions to blend seamlessly into the dish. Encourage family members to personalize their servings with toppings like sour cream, extra cheese, or crunchy tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

Pro Tip 3: Take advantage of seasonal produce to keep this dish exciting year-round. Use fresh summer tomatoes and peppers, fall butternut squash, winter canned tomatoes and frozen peppers, or spring peas. By changing up the ingredients based on what’s in season, you can enjoy a variety of flavors while keeping the dish budget-friendly.

How to Make Savory Texas Hash Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Cook meat and veggies

Heat a large 12-inch cast iron pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the beef, onion, and pepper until the meat is browned and the vegetables are soft. Drain any excess grease before proceeding.

Step 2: Mix in other stuff

Combine tomatoes, uncooked rice, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well.

Step 3: Get ready for the oven

Cover your cast iron pan or oven-safe dish with a heat-safe lid or foil.

Step 4: Oven time

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Bake covered dish for 35-45 minutes, or until rice is tender.

Step 5: Top it off and eat

Fluff the rice with a fork. Optional: Add a sprinkle of cheese. Serve and store any leftovers in a sealed container.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared your delicious Texas Hash Skillet, storing any leftovers is easy. If you have leftover portions, allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. You can store the Texas Hash in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can use the microwave for individual servings or warm it up in a covered skillet on the stovetop until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the Texas Hash for up to three months. After cooking and cooling the dish completely, portion it out into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Texas Hash, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in a 350°F oven, covered, for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s heated all the way through. This make-ahead option is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for a quick, satisfying dinner.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of this Texas Hash Skillet, you can easily swap the ground beef for plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or meatless ground crumbles. These options will still provide a hearty texture and take on the flavors of the dish while keeping it satisfying and packed with protein.

For those who want to add more variety to the dish, consider incorporating different types of bell peppers such as red or yellow for a sweeter taste or adding some diced zucchini or corn for extra color and texture. You can also experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier kick, or even swap in a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly option. These substitutions can help customize the dish to suit your preferences or accommodate dietary restrictions while still keeping the essence of the flavorful Texas Hash Skillet intact.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try setting up a Texas Hash Skillet bar for a fun and interactive meal experience. Prepare the skillet dish as usual and then set out a variety of toppings and garnishes in small bowls for your family or guests to customize their bowls. Offer toppings like shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, and extra shredded cheese. Let everyone build their own ultimate Texas Hash bowl, adding their favorite toppings to create a personalized dish.

Another creative serving idea is to use individual cast iron skillets or mini casserole dishes to serve the Texas Hash. This not only adds a charming presentation to the meal but also allows for portion control and easy serving. Simply divide the prepared Texas Hash mixture into the individual skillets, sprinkle with extra cheese on top, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve these mini skillets directly to the table for a rustic and cozy dining experience that will surely impress your guests.

FAQs for Savory Texas Hash Skillet Recipe

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a healthier alternative to ground beef in this Texas Hash recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this Texas Hash by substituting the ground beef with plant-based ground “beef” crumbles or extra veggies like mushrooms or diced eggplant. You can also add more beans like black beans or kidney beans for added protein and texture.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this Texas Hash gluten-free, ensure that all your ingredients, including the Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and any canned goods, are certified gluten-free. Additionally, opt for a gluten-free rice variety and double-check that your seasonings and cheese are free from gluten-containing additives.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize this Texas Hash with your favorite vegetables. You can add corn, peas, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish. Just ensure that the vegetables are chopped or diced uniformly for even cooking.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Tasty Texas Hash Skillet becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. Its simplicity, versatility, and comforting flavors make it a winner every time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

So, next time you’re craving a hearty and delicious meal that won’t keep you stuck in the kitchen for hours, remember the Tasty Texas Hash Skillet. With its budget-friendly ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a meal that brings people together and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the process of cooking this dish and savor each bite knowing that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more memorable meals with your Tasty Texas Hash Skillet!