Description
Hearty cheesy ground beef and rice casserole brings classic comfort to dinner tables across American kitchens. Melted cheese and seasoned beef create a satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings and simple weeknight dinners you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked, or brown rice adjusted for cook time)
- 1 ¾ cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of cheddar)
- 1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
- 2 tbsps chopped parsley (for garnish)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Vessel: Coat a 9×13-inch dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Brown Meat and Aromatics: In a robust skillet, sauté ground beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains, then incorporate finely chopped onions and garlic, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence.
- Season and Build Flavor: Introduce paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture, creating a robust flavor profile. Fold in uncooked rice, ensuring each grain is coated with the savory seasonings.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Pour beef broth and condensed soup into the skillet, blending thoroughly to create a rich, velvety base. Gently fold in diced tomatoes, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
- Assemble and Initial Baking: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading uniformly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 35-45 minutes, allowing the rice to steam and absorb the flavorful liquid.
- Cheese and Crisp Finish: Remove foil and lavishly sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface. Optional: Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter for an extra crispy topping. Return to the oven for a final 10-minute bake until cheese bubbles and breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
- Serve and Garnish: Adorn with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and fresh herb brightness to this comforting one-dish marvel.
Notes
- Select Lean Beef: Choose ground beef with lower fat content (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce greasiness and create a lighter, healthier casserole.
- Control Moisture Levels: Drain beef thoroughly after browning to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole soggy, ensuring a perfect texture and preventing rice from becoming mushy.
- Customize Cheese Blend: Mix different cheese types like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or mozzarella for a more complex, rich flavor profile that elevates the dish’s overall taste.
- Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives, use cauliflower rice for low-carb version, and select gluten-free condensed soup to accommodate various dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 742 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg