Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice (190g), uncooked

2 cups chicken broth (475ml)

2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)

1/2 pound ground beef or turkey (225g)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium bell pepper, diced (red or green)

1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz / 411g)

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Optional: 1/2 cup frozen corn (75g)

Optional: Chopped fresh cilantro

Optional: Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the meat. Stir and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat everything evenly. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir to combine. Let simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add the uncooked rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.

Step 5: Remove skillet from heat. If using frozen corn, stir it in now and let warm through in residual heat. Let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff gently with a fork.

Step 6: If desired, sprinkle chopped cilantro and shredded cheese on top. Cover again for 1 minute to let cheese melt. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with cooked lentils or diced mushrooms.

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter taste or to keep it vegetarian.

Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra smoky heat.

Frozen corn adds sweetness and texture but can be skipped or replaced with peas.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but increase the cooking time and liquid slightly, since brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe has mild heat from chili powder, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or including cayenne pepper if you prefer it spicier.