Spanish Rice with Bacon

Bursting with bold flavors and hearty textures, Spanish Rice with Bacon is a one-pan wonder that combines smoky, crispy bacon with tender long-grain rice cooked in a rich blend of spices, vegetables, and savory chicken broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this easy recipe elevates traditional Spanish-style rice with the addition of bacon, lending a delectable crunch and depth of flavor. Aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, and green bell peppers infuse every bite, while a hint of smoked paprika and cumin creates a robust and smoky profile. Finished with a garnish of fresh parsley, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Ready in just 45 minutes, Spanish Rice with Bacon is not only a flavorful family favorite but also an excellent choice for meal prep or potluck gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon
• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 medium green bell pepper
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Begin by chopping the bacon into small pieces and cooking it in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set them aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet. If there’s not enough grease, add olive oil to make up the difference.

Step 2

While the bacon cooks, finely dice the onion, garlic, and green bell pepper.

Step 3

In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and toast it in the bacon grease and vegetable mixture for about 2-3 minutes. Stir continuously to coat the rice evenly.

Step 5

Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This step ensures the spices are evenly distributed and enhance the flavor of the dish.

Step 6

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Avoid removing the lid during this time to ensure the rice cooks evenly.

Step 8

Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork, then stir in the cooked bacon pieces.

Step 9

Taste the rice and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1657.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	960.5

Total Fat 33.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.4g
Cholesterol 47.5mg	0%
Sodium 5070.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 126.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.3g	0%
Total Sugars 20.7g
Protein 39.5g	0%

Vitamin D 7.7IU	0%
Calcium 294.4mg	0%
Iron 10.4mg	0%
Potassium 2168.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.2%

Protein: 16.4%

Carbs: 52.5%