How to Make Rio Grande Especial - A Step-by-Step Guide

One of the best-kept secrets in Tex-Mex cuisine is the Rio Grande Especial, a dish that perfectly captures the flavors and spirit of the region. This mouthwatering recipe is a delicious combination of fresh ingredients, bold spices, and perfectly cooked meat, all coming together to create a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Originating from the Rio Grande Valley, this dish has been a staple in the local cuisine for generations, passed down from family to family as a prized heirloo...

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 ½ cups water
  • 1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 2 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chilies
  • 1 cup instant rice
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Information

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 50 mins
  • Total Time: 55 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Cook and stir ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the beef is crumbly and completely browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Stir water, tomato sauce, tomato paste, green chilies, instant rice, sugar, chili powder, garlic, oregano, cumin, and salt together with the cooked ground beef.
  • Reduce heat to low, place a cover on the skillet, and cook mixture at a simmer until the flavors have blended and the beef is very tender, about 40 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    424 cal.

    • Total Fat: 15g
    • Saturated Fat: 6g
    • Cholesterol: 69mg
    • Sodium: 3169mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 50g
    • Dietary Fiber: 7g
    • Total Sugars: 20g
    • Protein: 27g
    • Vitamin C: 66mg
    • Calcium: 100mg
    • Iron: 9mg
    • Potassium: 1637mg