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Comforting Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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A quick and easy cheesy ground beef and rice casserole that delivers a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup (190g) long-grain white rice
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups (480ml) of water or beef broth to a boil. Add 1 cup (190g) of rinsed long-grain white rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  3. Brown the ground beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent—about 4 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook until browned and no longer pink (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Season the beef: Stir in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors and reduce some liquid.
  6. Combine rice and beef mixture: Transfer the cooked rice into the skillet with the beef and tomato mix. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
  7. Assemble the casserole: Lightly grease your 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour the beef and rice mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle 1½ cups (150g) of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Then remove and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup (50g) of cheese on top, returning to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
  9. Rest before serving: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to set up slightly—this makes serving cleaner and the flavors more settled.

Notes

If casserole dries out, add a splash of beef broth before baking. For a crispy cheese crust, broil for the last 2 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning. Slightly undercooked rice works best as it finishes cooking in the oven. Drain excess fat from beef to prevent greasiness. Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving for better texture.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/comforting-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/