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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe for Perfect Family Dinners

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A quick and comforting casserole combining browned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef, preferably 80/20
  • 1 cup (190g) uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes, drained slightly
  • 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese, sharp or medium
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk, whole or 2% (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix in the drained diced tomatoes and let simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Add 1 cup uncooked white rice and 2 cups beef broth to the skillet mixture. Stir well to combine, scraping the bottom to avoid sticking.
  6. Pour the mixture into a prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading evenly.
  7. Pour ½ cup milk over the mixture, then sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If cheese browns too quickly, loosely cover casserole with foil halfway through baking. If rice isn’t done when cheese looks perfect, bake a few more minutes with foil on. For dairy-free options, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan cheese. You can add diced bell peppers, corn, or peas during sautéing for extra veggies. Use gluten-free beef broth for a gluten-free version.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://larameals.com/easy-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-casserole-recipe-for-perfect-family-dinners/