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Comforting Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

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A quick and easy 30-minute casserole combining ground beef, rice, and melted cheeses for a comforting and flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean, but 80/20 works for juicier results)
  • 1 cup (190g) long-grain white rice (rinsed for fluffiness)
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes (drained)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for a minute.
  6. Add the diced tomatoes (drained) and rinsed rice. Stir everything together to combine well.
  7. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 5 minutes.
  8. Transfer the mixture to your oven-safe casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
  9. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top.
  10. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the rice is tender (cover with foil if it browns too quickly).
  11. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If rice isn’t fully cooked after baking, cover casserole with foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes. For extra browning, broil 1-2 minutes watching closely. Brown rice can be used with increased broth and longer cooking time. For lactose intolerance, swap cheddar with dairy-free cheese. Leftovers store well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/comforting-cheesy-beef-and-rice-casserole-easy-30-minute-recipe-for-dinner/