For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in place of bacon drippings. Consider adding smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. Feel free to adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to your liking. Start with a small dash and add more as needed. Long-grain brown rice can be substituted for white rice, but will require a longer cooking time. Adjust water level if needed. For an extra layer of flavor, add 1/2 cup of chopped celery and/or bell pepper along with the onions. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Charleston Red Rice
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PREP TIME15 mins
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COOK TIME1 hrs 5 mins
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TOTAL TIME1 hrs 20 mins
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SERVING8 People
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VIEWS112
A Southern classic reimagined! This baked red rice is a delightful harmony of fluffy rice, smoky bacon, sweet tomato, and a whisper of spice, perfect as a comforting side or a satisfying vegetarian main.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate52 g
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Cholesterol14 mg
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Fiber3 g
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Protein8 g
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Saturated Fat3 g
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Sodium1388 mg
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Sugar8 g
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Fat10 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepPreheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Generously grease a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. (5 minutes)
02
StepIn a medium saucepan, combine the boiling water, rice, and salt. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This should take approximately 20-25 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
03
StepWhile the rice is simmering, cook the bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until crisp and evenly browned (about 10 minutes). Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
04
StepReduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions to the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and translucent, about 5-8 minutes. Stir in the crumbled bacon, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and hot pepper sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
05
StepGently fold the cooked rice into the tomato-bacon mixture in the skillet, ensuring the rice is evenly coated. (5 minutes)
06
StepTransfer the rice mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until heated through and the flavors have fully developed.
07
StepRemove from oven, let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
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Lupe Bernhard
Jun 15, 2025I added some diced bell peppers, as suggested, and it turned out great!
Janick Mantehyatt
Apr 7, 2025This recipe is fantastic! The rice came out perfectly, and the bacon adds such a wonderful smoky flavor.
Delores Russel
Mar 28, 2025I doubled the recipe for a potluck, and it was all gone in minutes!
Hattie Bernhard
Mar 22, 2025My family loved it! Even my picky eater enjoyed it!
Jayson Marvin
Feb 22, 2025The perfect side dish for any Southern meal!
Sallie Langosh
Jan 29, 2025Next time I will try with brown rice. Thanks for sharing the recipe
Dario Schneider
Sep 29, 2024I've made this several times now, and it's always a hit. It's so easy to make, and the flavors are incredible.
Milford Dickinson
May 20, 2024Great recipe, easy to follow and delicious!