Craving a hearty, comforting meal that's both delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this corned beef and rice recipe! This classic dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering big on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. This recipe provides a healthy and satisfying meal, perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb corned beef brisket, pre-cooked
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Corned Beef
If your corned beef is still in its package, remove it and rinse it under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. Then, slice the corned beef against the grain into roughly 1/2-inch thick slices. This ensures a tender and easy-to-eat dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base of our delicious dish.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the uncooked rice to the pot and stir to coat with the oil and aromatics. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer and Enjoy
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir in the sliced corned beef during the last 5 minutes of cooking time, allowing it to heat through and absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This easy recipe is best enjoyed hot, but leftovers are equally delicious the next day!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a bay leaf to the pot while simmering. Remove before serving.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Vegetable boost: Include other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or celery along with the onion. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Different grains: Substitute brown rice or quinoa for long-grain rice. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as brown rice and quinoa generally require longer cooking times.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on portion size and ingredients)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This corned beef and rice recipe is a simple yet satisfying dish, perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual weekend gathering. The combination of tender corned beef and fluffy rice, seasoned with aromatic herbs, is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!