Print

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

cheesy beef and rice casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and hearty casserole combining gooey melted cheese, savory ground beef, and fluffy rice, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean or medium-fat ground beef
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (190 g)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (200 g)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth (480 ml)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, drained (14.5 oz / 410 g)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Rinse 1 cup of white rice under cold water until clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of beef broth to a boil. Stir in the rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Season the beef with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cooked rice and drained diced tomatoes until evenly mixed.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  10. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Rinse rice before cooking to prevent clumping. Brown beef well for better flavor. Cover casserole during baking to keep moisture, uncover near end for golden cheese crust. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt. Adjust seasoning before baking. Variations include swapping rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa, using different cheeses, or adding vegetables.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/cheesy-beef-and-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-idea/