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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a quick, comforting, and hearty one-dish meal combining savory browned ground beef, fluffy cooked rice, tangy diced tomatoes, and creamy melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners and meal prep, it offers a balanced, budget-friendly dish that’s flavorful and easy to customize.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Base

  • 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 3 cups cooked white or brown rice

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 1 cup beef broth (gluten-free if needed)

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking until softened and fragrant, which builds savory flavor complexity.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the beef mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs. Mix everything well to meld the flavors.
  4. Add the Cheese: Fold most of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture, reserving some cheese for the topping. The cheese creates creamy pockets throughout the casserole.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Optionally cover with foil during most of baking time to prevent drying, then uncover to brown the cheese.
  6. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Then scoop out warm servings and enjoy the creamy, hearty meal.

Notes

  • Use day-old rice for best texture as fresh rice can become mushy.
  • Always drain excess fat from cooked beef to avoid greasy casserole.
  • Layer cheese inside and on top for gooey melted cheese and a golden crust.
  • Cover casserole with foil while baking, uncovering near the end to brown cheese without drying out.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings before baking for perfect flavor balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, beef and rice casserole, comfort food, easy weeknight meal, gluten free casserole

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