Description
A comforting and hearty casserole combining savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese baked to perfection. This easy-to-make one-pan dish offers rich flavors, customizable ingredients, and makes an ideal meal for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce or 1 cup diced tomatoes
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, or a blend)
Optional Vegetables
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers
- ½ cup peas
Instructions
- Prepare the ground beef and aromatics: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and the onion softens to build a flavorful base.
- Mix in rice and tomato: Stir the cooked rice and your choice of tomato sauce or diced tomatoes into the beef mixture, combining moisture and acidity without making it soggy.
- Season the mixture: Add salt, pepper, and dried herbs like oregano or thyme gradually, tasting to ensure the flavors balance well with the cheesy elements.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the beef and rice mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese evenly over the top to create a golden, bubbling crust.
- Bake until bubbly: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and the edges become slightly crisp. Let it rest a few minutes before serving to set.
Notes
- Use day-old rice to prevent the casserole from becoming mushy.
- Fold ingredients gently to maintain texture and avoid overmixing.
- Choose sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese for the perfect melt and stretch.
- Allow the casserole to rest before slicing for easier serving and better flavor melding.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: ground beef casserole, cheesy rice bake, comfort food, easy casserole, one-pan dinner