Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty American main course featuring tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a gooey layer of melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it combines a savory blend of seasonings with beef broth and tomatoes, finished with a delicious cheese topping baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
Grains and Vegetables
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Liquids and Oils
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer Until Rice is Tender: Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Mix in Cheese and Sour Cream: Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream if using, incorporating them evenly for creamy texture.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to reduce fat content.
- For added vegetables, stir in frozen peas or chopped spinach before baking.
- If using brown rice, increase cooking time and add extra liquid as brown rice takes longer to cook.
