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 9x13 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!