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Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
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Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty one-pan dish combining savory ground beef, fluffy long-grain white rice, and a medley of flavorful ingredients baked to perfection with a melted cheese topping. Ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners, it delivers warmth, simplicity, and versatility in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or preferred meltable cheese such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)

Optional Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup peas
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels

Variations (optional)

  • Black beans, corn, and taco seasoning for Mexican Style
  • Marinara sauce and mozzarella with Italian herbs for Italian Flair
  • Cauliflower rice as a low-carb substitute for rice
  • Cooked lentils or plant-based meat substitute to make vegetarian
  • Diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef – Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness in the casserole.
  2. Step 2: Sauté Aromatics – Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onions are softened and the mixture is fragrant to deepen the flavor profile.
  3. Step 3: Mix in Rice and Liquids – Stir uncooked rice into the beef mixture. Pour in beef broth and canned diced tomatoes, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly. This liquid will cook the rice as the casserole bakes.
  4. Step 4: Season and Transfer – Add salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, or any desired herbs and spices. Transfer the beef and rice mixture into a sufficiently deep casserole dish to ensure even cooking.
  5. Step 5: Bake with Cheese – Top the mixture with shredded cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, until the rice is tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Notes

  • Brown the beef thoroughly for richer flavor and better texture.
  • Be careful with cooking time and broth quantity to avoid mushy or undercooked rice.
  • Use cheese varieties that melt well such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for a perfect topping.
  • Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set and ease serving.
  • Use a deep casserole dish to ensure even cooking and moisture retention.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef casserole, rice casserole, easy dinner, family meal, baked casserole, comfort food, one-pan meal

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/ground-beef-and-rice-casserole/