Ranchero Beef & Rice Skillet


I finally saw the movie Julie & Julia and have to say that I loved it! Loved everything about it. I have read that some people felt they would have rather seen more Julia and less Julie but I don't feel that way at all. I enjoyed both stories very much. I think Meryl Streep will be up for an oscar for her performance. She was wonderful (as usual). Needless to say, now I want to try some of Julia's recipes. I looked through some of the book at Borders this weekend and it does look challenging. Although I do remember reading that if you follow her recipes exactly as written, you won't have a problem. We'll see. I haven't bought her book yet (it's $40 - hello???), but I'm sure it will be in my cookbook collection in the near future. I mean, how long can I put this off! I am going to try one of her recipes next week and we'll see how it goes.

The above picture is not one of Julia's recipes (are you surprised?)! This comes from the cookbook America's Favorite Beef Recipes from Time Life Books. I was going to post this later in the week or next week but my son enjoyed this so much this evening for dinner that I am posting it now hoping that if someone is at a loss as to what to cook for some picky eaters, this just might fit the bill. Please note that I did NOT use 1 tablespoon of chili powder as the recipe suggests. My son doesn't care for spicy food so I just sprinkled on some chili powder and added oregano and some onion powder for extra flavor. I also cooked this the day before and served it the next day. I believe that it gave the flavors a chance to blend into each other. I have to say I enjoyed it. My husband liked it and my son devoured two plates of it. So we will put this under "kid friendly." Enjoy! (This one is also an easy clean up....).

1 pound 80% ground beef
1 medium red or green bell pepper, chopped
1 large clove garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon chili powder (I only sprinkled some on the meat)
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups cooked rice, cooled
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted (I think corn would be good, too)
3/4 cup prepared salsa (I used a little over 1 cup of mild salsa)

In large nonstick skillet, brown ground beef, bell pepper and garlic over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is no longer pink, breaking beef up into 3/4 inch crumbles. Pour off drippings. Season with chili powder and salt.

Add rice to skillet; mix well. Continue cooking 2 minutes or until rice is hot; stir occasionally. Stir in peas and salsa; heat through.

Comments

Jenn said…
Looks mighty tasty. Though, I do like anything with rice, so I'd eat this up right away.
Mary Bergfeld said…
This sounds perfect for a family meal. My grandsons love this kind of dish.
Anonymous said…
A great meal! Sounds great with salsa!
Joyce said…
I loved the movie too and want to see it again. It made me run home and cook up a storm!
Joyce
Reeni said…
This does look really good! Like comfort food to me!
Jennifer said…
Wow this dish is right up my alley, I gotta try it! I am so glad you liked the movie!
Nutmeg Nanny said…
This looks delicious and really filling...yum!
Coleens Recipes said…
VERY tasty looking and I have one more compliment. You know what your computer screen looks like if you scroll down too fast (while a photo is still loading) and you get a "palette" of color streaks? Well, when I tried to scroll down faster than my computer could load your photo, it gave me a gorgeous color palette...nice, lol.
Monica H said…
Coleen, I love when that happens :-)

I'm glad you liked the movie. I want everyone to see it, I think it was just wonderful. Now that I think of it, I wish there was more story about Julia, not because the movie wasn't superb (because it was) but just because I was so intrigued.

Make ahead meals- sounds perfect. I could have used one of those tonight!
Katy ~ said…
Ooooh, we would like this. The addition of the salsa and spices give this such a mighty flavor.
This is a hearty family meal. This wouldn't last long on our table.

I still haven't seen the movie yet...gues i'm the onyl one ;-)
Cassie said…
That looks absolutely delicious. It would be a hit with everyone in my house, I'll tell you that right now!
I haven't seen the movie yet. I'm glad to hear your review. A friend of my MIL's was getting rid of some of her cookbook collection and graciously allowed me to take both volumes of Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Score!

This recipe looks like a great one to have in a busy week rotation. Quick, easy, and the kids love it!
Pam said…
I loved the movie too. Your ranchero skillet looks and sounds terrific.
Dewi said…
Wonderful dish Debby, thanks for visiting to my blog.
The Blonde Duck said…
Kid friendly is Blond Duck friendly! And I LOVE your pumpkin snickerdoodle bars!
Debbie said…
It looks good. I'll have to give it a try.
I loved both the book and the movie, Julie and Julia.
noble pig said…
This has me craving this something awful...yummy!!
teresa said…
i'm really excited to see J and J too. this looks so good!
Looks very yummy and satisfying! Can't wait to see how the recipes go.
Talita said…
How tasty! Looks really yummy!
Lara said…
I loved the movie too, but found the J & J book (that the movie was based on) highly offensive. I looked at Julia's cookbook and got a little intimidated too, but this one looks like a great place to start. Kid friendly is a good thing! :)
NKP said…
Julia's recipes do require care and attention, but learning classic French technique opens up worlds of flavour and ability. Definitely worth the $40.
My son would love this dish - but with extra chili powder!
Amanda said…
I bet my boys would like that too!

As for Julia's recipes, I have made several (checked out her book from the library) and they were all wonderful. You are right, just follow the directions and you will be fine! The movie? I'm with you, I loved everything about it :)
La Bella Cooks said…
I'm glad to hear you liked the movie as well. There wouldn't be anything I would want changed about it either, it is perfect! This meal sounds delicious for a quick weeknight meal. You have to love that!