Spicy Mexican Style Beefy Tomato Sauce over Rice - Dairy and Gluten Free

When I feel a cold coming on, I begin to crave spicy comfort foods.  This Spicy Mexican Style Beefy Tomato Sauce over Rice is a quick and easy dairy and gluten free meal to put together.  It has tons of flavor and spice.  In fact this likely contains much more heat than most people can tolerate; however, feel free to adjust it for the level of heat you desire.  I used a can of El Pato Brand Tomato Sauce (Mexican Hot Style), but if you can not find this particular product simply use plain tomato sauce and a packet of taco seasoning for a similar flavor.  I love to eat mine topped with fresh cilantro, shredded goat's milk cheddar, and diced avocado to help balance the heat from the spicy chile peppers. 

Spicy Mexican Style Beefy Tomato Sauce over Rice

1 tbs olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

1 to 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely diced (optional)

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 lb lean ground beef

1 27 oz can El Pato Brand Tomato Sauce (Mexican Hot Style) 

OR 1 27 oz can tomato sauce plus 1 packet taco seasoning

1 14.5 oz can diced fire roasted tomatoes

1 beef bouillon cube (optional)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

salt & pepper

hot cooked rice

Optional Garnishes

chopped fresh cilantro

shredded cheddar cheese (regular, Diaya, or Goat's milk cheddar)

chopped fresh avocado

sour cream (dairy free or regular)

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and saute the onions and jalapeno peppers until tender.

Add the garlic and ground beef and continue to saute until the meat is cooked through and lightly browned.

Add the El Pato (or tomato sauce and taco seasoning), diced tomatoes, and bouillon cube.

Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add the chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper.

Simmer for 5 minutes longer.

Serve the sauce over the hot cooked rice and top with garnishes as desired.