Chilli Cheese Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Any Occasion
When it comes to comfort food, few things hit the spot quite like a hearty, cheesy dish. The combination of savory beef, spicy chili, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice is a winning combination that has earned its place in kitchens around the world. Enter Chilli Cheese Rice, a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal, whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just yourself. Best of all, it’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that transforms leftover rice into something extraordinary.
If you’re someone who enjoys meals that are quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, then this Chilli Cheese Rice recipe will become a staple in your home. Combining the richness of beef mince with the creaminess of cheese, the heat of chili, and the freshness of vegetables, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy every craving.
The Versatility of Chilli Cheese Rice
One of the things that make this recipe so appealing is its versatility. It’s not only a great way to use up leftover rice, but it also allows you to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. Whether you like it extra cheesy, super spicy, or packed with vegetables, this dish can be customized to suit anyone’s needs.
The combination of ground beef and rice provides a hearty base, while the addition of colorful peppers, onions, and garlic adds layers of flavor. The real magic happens when you mix in the cheese and milk, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every grain of rice. Top it off with a sprinkle of chili flakes and parsley, and you’ve got yourself a dish that’s not only satisfying but also beautiful to look at.
Why Use Leftover Rice?
You might be wondering, why use leftover rice? Well, there’s more to it than just reducing food waste (though that’s a big bonus!). Leftover rice, especially if you’re using microwave rice, has a great texture for this dish. The grains are already cooked, so they absorb the flavors of the beef and sauce without becoming soggy. It also cuts down on cooking time, making this a quick weeknight meal that doesn’t require a lot of effort.
Another great thing about leftover rice is that it’s a fantastic way to stretch a meal. If you’re feeding a larger group or trying to stretch a pound of beef, adding rice can bulk up the dish without needing to add too many additional ingredients. It’s an affordable way to feed a family or impress guests without breaking the bank.
The Ingredients: A Flavorful Combination
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this Chilli Cheese Rice so special:
Beef Mince (500g): This is the base of the dish, and it provides a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese and spicy chili. The lean beef (5% fat) is the perfect balance between flavor and health, ensuring that the dish isn’t too greasy while still being full of flavor.
Mexican Seasoning (1-2 tbsp): Mexican seasoning adds depth to the dish. It brings a slightly smoky, spicy flavor that is essential for that authentic Mexican-inspired taste. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, I highly recommend using a good quality seasoning like the one from @justspices_uk.
Onion (1) and Peppers (3): These vegetables add color, crunch, and natural sweetness to the dish. The peppers help balance the richness of the beef and cheese, while the onion provides that savory, aromatic base that makes every dish taste better.
Garlic Purée (4 tsp) or Garlic Cloves (4): Garlic is a non-negotiable ingredient in any savory dish. The garlic purée provides a deep, robust flavor that infuses the entire dish, making each bite taste amazing.
Tomato Purée (1 tbsp): This adds a subtle richness and a slight tang to the dish, helping to create a more balanced flavor profile.
Passata (500ml): This smooth tomato sauce is the perfect addition to create a rich, hearty base for the beef and rice. It’s the perfect texture for this recipe, not too thick and not too thin, allowing the sauce to coat every grain of rice.
Beef Stock Cube (1): The beef stock cube intensifies the flavor of the beef and ties everything together. It’s a small ingredient, but it packs a punch in terms of taste.
Cooked Leftover Rice (500g): The hero of the dish, leftover rice is the perfect base for soaking up the flavorful beef and tomato sauce. Using microwave rice is a fantastic time-saving trick that still gives you the texture you need for this dish.
Milk (200ml): The milk helps to create a creamy, luscious texture, turning the dish into something that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.
Cheese (100g): The cheese is the star of this dish. I used @mexicanacheese for a bold, tangy flavor, but cheese singles work equally well if you're looking for a smoother, milder flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses depending on your preference.
Mozzarella (20g): Mozzarella adds a stretchy, gooey texture that makes every bite feel like a treat. It’s optional but highly recommended for extra cheesiness.
Chili Flakes and Parsley: These are for garnish and add a pop of color and spice. The chili flakes provide an extra layer of heat, while the parsley adds freshness and balance.
How to Make Chilli Cheese Rice
Making Chilli Cheese Rice is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to bringing this dish to life in your own kitchen:
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Vegetables
Start by heating some oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens, about 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in the diced peppers and garlic, and cook for another 2 minutes. The peppers should soften, but still retain some crunch.
Next, add the beef mince to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is cooked, stir in the Mexican seasoning and tomato purée. Let everything cook together for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Add the Sauce
Pour in the passata and crumble the beef stock cube into the pan. Stir to combine, and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Stir in the Rice
Add the cooked leftover rice to the pan, stirring well to combine. The rice will soak up all the wonderful flavors of the beef and sauce. If you’re using microwave rice, this step is even quicker since the rice is already cooked.
Step 4: Make it Creamy
Pour in the milk and stir to coat the rice in a creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes, allowing the milk to heat through and mix with the beef and tomato sauce.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Tear the cheese into pieces and add it to the pan. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, cheesy texture. If you’re adding mozzarella, sprinkle it in now and let it melt for that gooey, stretchy effect.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese has melted and everything is combined, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. For an extra kick, sprinkle some chili flakes over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Serve the Chilli Cheese Rice hot and enjoy the delightful combination of cheesy, savory, and spicy flavors. It’s a dish that’s sure to please anyone at the table.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Chilli Cheese Rice
This Chilli Cheese Rice recipe is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The beef gives it depth and richness, while the cheese adds indulgence and creaminess. The rice is the perfect vessel to soak up all the savory goodness, and the chili flakes provide just the right amount of heat. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice, making it both an affordable and practical meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or a dish that will impress your guests, Chilli Cheese Rice fits the bill. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to leave you wanting more. So why not give it a try? I promise you won’t be disappointed!
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