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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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A warm and cozy casserole combining ground beef, rice, and sharp cheddar cheese baked to bubbly perfection. This easy homemade comfort meal is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain or jasmine white rice (185 g)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth (360 ml)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (150 g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the rice separately according to package instructions using beef broth instead of water for extra flavor (about 15-18 minutes), or cook rice directly in the casserole later.
  3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart and cook until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in diced tomatoes with juices and ½ cup beef broth. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors and reduce liquid slightly.
  6. Stir in uncooked rice and remaining 1 cup beef broth. Spread mixture evenly in the skillet.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until rice is tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use uncooked rice to ensure it absorbs all flavors and cooks properly. If cheese browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking. For substitutions, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef; brown rice requires longer cooking; vegan cheese or nutritional yeast can replace cheddar for dairy-free options.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy casserole, ground beef casserole, rice casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, baked casserole

Find it online: https://larameals.com/cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-meal/