A flavorful, spicy yellow rice with beans and meat, tossed with peas, tomatoes, corn, and green pepper, topped with cheese and baked

1 Tablespoon butter
3/4 cup Basmati rice*
2 medium-large onions, diced
1 1/4 cups chicken broth**
3/4 teaspoon turmeric
1 pound ground beef
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1-2 teaspoons freshly crushed cumin***
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
2 large tomatoes, washed and diced
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 cup cooked black, pinto, or kidney beans
salt, to taste
1 Tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro (or more, if you love cilantro!)
4-6 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded

1. Melt butter in saucepan and add about 1/4 of your total chopped onions (about 1/2 an onion). Cook and stir for several minutes; add rice and stir until mixed. Add chicken broth and turmeric and stir. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir once and re-cover. Cook on low for 20 minutes or until rice is fully cooked.

2. In skillet, brown ground beef with remaining onions; drain excess grease. Add lemon pepper, chili powder, cumin, pepper, bell pepper, tomatoes, sugar, corn, and peas. Cook and stir until simmering; simmer for a minute or so.

3. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Drain a little of the juice from the meat mixture into the dish, to coat the bottom.

4. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, meat mixture, beans, and cilantro. Toss to mix well, and add salt to taste. Pour into prepared baking dish and top with shredded cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

*Can substitute other rices, but Basmati is best because it doesn't over-absorb the liquid and become soft and mushy.

**Can substitute water, but chicken broth gives a better flavor.

***May substitute pre-ground cumin, but use more because it won't be as flavorful as freshly-crushed.

This is a really good Spanish Rice recipe!! It is seriously the BEST Spanish rice I have ever eaten. My husband, who doesn't normally enjoy Spanish rice (but loves Mexican foods!) really liked this.

This easy Spanish rice has the perfect balance of seasonings, vegetables, meat, beans, and rice. If you want an authentic, great-tasting Spanish rice, this is it!!

I first tasted this when my uncle made it for us. I immediately knew I wanted to get his recipe! He told me the ingredients he had used to make it, and I came up with these measurements and instructions.

My rating: 10/10