Introduction
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a perfect choice when you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal. Combining tender ground beef, flavorful rice, and melted cheese, this dish is both satisfying and easy to make. With ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Get ready for a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Why Make This Recipe
A Cozy, Flavorful Dish: This casserole offers a delicious mix of beef, cheese, and seasoned rice, making it a warm and comforting choice for any time.
Perfect for Family Meals: Simple to prepare and loved by all ages, this dish is great for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy nights.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.
- Tip: Browning the beef well adds extra flavor to the casserole.
Add Onion and Garlic:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic.
- Tip: Cooking the onions and garlic with the beef enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Incorporate Rice and Seasoning:
- Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Tip: Adding the rice and seasoning now allows the flavors to meld as the rice cooks.
Simmer the Mixture:
- Reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Tip: Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent the rice from sticking to the skillet.
Transfer to Casserole Dish:
- Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and pour in the cooked beef and rice mixture. Spread it out evenly for even baking.
Add Cheese and Bake:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Tip: For a golden, crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, comforting dish!
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Serve this casserole hot from the oven, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired. It pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to make it a complete meal.
How to Store Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Choose Your Cheese: While cheddar is a popular choice, feel free to use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for added flavor.
- Brown the Beef: Browning the beef well adds depth to the flavor. Just avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
- Add Vegetables: You can include vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before baking to ensure it’s seasoned to your liking.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients, especially the broth, are gluten-free to make this casserole gluten-free.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix half of the cheese into the casserole for an extra creamy texture, and sprinkle the rest on top.
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Q: Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
A: Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the casserole, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use a different type of protein?
A: Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or sausage work well in place of ground beef. Just adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and loved by all. The combination of seasoned beef, rice, and melted cheese makes it a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep solution, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or your choice
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.
- Tip: Browning the beef well adds extra flavor to the casserole.
- Add Onion and Garlic:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic.
- Tip: Cooking the onions and garlic with the beef enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Incorporate Rice and Seasoning:
- Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Tip: Adding the rice and seasoning now allows the flavors to meld as the rice cooks.
- Simmer the Mixture:
- Reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Tip: Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent the rice from sticking to the skillet.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish:
- Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and pour in the cooked beef and rice mixture. Spread it out evenly for even baking.
- Add Cheese and Bake:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Tip: For a golden, crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, comforting dish!