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Beef and Rice Casserole

Beef and Rice Casserole

A hearty and comforting Beef and Rice Casserole combining tender ground beef, fluffy rice, savory seasonings, and melted cheese for a quick, budget-friendly, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella recommended)

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened and fragrant.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly, ensuring the rice is fully submerged in the liquid for proper cooking.
  3. Simmer and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
  4. Add Cheese and Finish: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Use fresh onions and garlic for the best flavor.
  • Drain the excess fat from the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
  • Cover tightly with foil during baking to trap steam and cook rice evenly.
  • Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set and deepen flavors.
  • Cheddar and mozzarella work well for melting, but try pepper jack or gouda for variety.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef casserole, rice casserole, easy dinner, one-dish meal, comfort food, weeknight dinner, budget-friendly, baked casserole