Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious and easy recipe that the whole family will love? Look no further! This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is comfort food at its finest. With savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and all that cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for any dinner table.
Why Make This Recipe
This casserole is simple to prepare and comes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze! It’s great for busy weeknights when you need a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, so you can feel confident serving it to family and friends!
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to whip up this tasty casserole.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped parsley
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
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Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent.
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Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
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Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
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Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
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Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Serve this casserole hot and gooey right from the oven. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a simple green salad. For extra flavor, add a dollop of sour cream or some hot sauce on top.
How to Store Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through.
Tips to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Make sure to drain the ground beef well before adding other ingredients to prevent the casserole from being too greasy.
- Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or peas, for added color and nutrition.
- Use different types of cheese if you want – mozzarella or pepper jack can add a fun twist!
Variation
You can easily make this dish with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just swap out the ground beef with the meat of your choice!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice will take longer to cook. You may need extra liquid and cooking time.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely! Use cooked lentils or a mix of beans as a substitute for the ground beef and add more veggies.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes! You can freeze it before baking or after it has been cooked. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is sure to become a new family favorite. Happy cooking!