Sofrito Beef, Beans and Rice is an easy recipe that the whole family can enjoy—truly, we have baby and toddler adaptations below! Did you know that by combining beef with beans, the meat boosts absorption of the non-heme iron from the beans? That’s a doubled-up iron benefit from beef: heme iron + better absorption of non-heme iron (by 150 percent!).

Prep time: 10 minutes 

Cook time: 25 minutes 

Serves 6 (adult servings) 

Ingredients for Sofrito Beef, Beans and Rice

1 lb (500 g) Ground Beef 

½ cup (125 mL) each finely diced sweet pepper and onion 

2 cloves garlic, minced 

½ tsp (2 mL) EACH sweet paprika and dried oregano leaves 

½ tsp (2 mL) EACH chili powder, onion powder, ground coriander and ground cumin 

1½ cups (375 mL) canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed 

1 can (14 oz/398 mL) tomato sauce  

¾ cup (175 mL) basmati rice  

½ tsp (2 mL) salt (approx, optional)* 

Chopped fresh cilantro, fresh lime juice, shredded cheese (optional) 

Directions for Sofrito Beef, Beans and Rice

  1. Cook ground beef, sweet pepper, onion and garlic over medium heat in a large skillet, stirring often and using back of spoon to break up meat into small chunks, for 5 to 7 minutes or until beef is browned. Drain, if necessary.
  2. Stir in paprika, oregano, chili powder, onion powder, coriander and cumin and salt (*omit salt at this stage if cooking for baby); cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in pinto beans, tomato sauce, rice and 1 cup (250 mL) water; bring to a boil.
  3. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 to 18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Let stand for 5 minutes.
  4. To serve for Baby/Toddler, see modified textures (below). For the rest of the family, stir in salt to taste. Garnish with cilantro, lime juice and cheese (toddler/adult) as desired.

Per adult serving made with Regular Ground Beef and measured salt in beef mixture:  

240 Calories, 15 g Protein, 8 g Fat, 26 g Carbohydrate, 500 mg Sodium  

%DV: Iron 13% (Source), Zinc 27% (Excellent Source), Vitamin B12 46% (Excellent Source) 

Baby and Toddler Fast Adapt 

Guiding principles 

  • Prepare foods without adding salt, except for Toddler stage 
  • Cook beef to 160°F (71°C) 
  • Before serving, heat up all baby food until hot, then cool to lukewarm 

Puréed Texture 

Place beef mixture into a blender or food processor; blend for about 1 minute or until you reach a consistency that suits your baby, adding water, breastmilk or formula if necessary. 

Chunky Mash  

Place beef mixture into a bowl. Mash with the back of a spoon or fork until you reach a consistency that suits your baby’s ability, adding water, breastmilk or formula if necessary.  

Toddler Finger Foods  

Place beef mixture in a bowl. Allow toddler to choose their toppings. Offer utensils. You can also let your toddler serve themselves with a little help from a caregiver.