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Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

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A warm, comforting casserole combining gooey cheese, savory ground beef, and fluffy rice, perfect for family meals and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth (or low-sodium chicken broth)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups beef broth to a boil. Add 1 cup uncooked rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until rice is tender and broth absorbed. Set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until fully browned (7-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant.
  5. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add drained diced tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes.
  6. Remove skillet from heat and gently fold in the cooked rice until evenly mixed.
  7. Transfer beef and rice mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Cover casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If casserole dries out during baking, add a splash of broth or water before covering. Brown beef well for deeper flavor and drain excess fat to avoid sogginess. Let casserole rest before serving to firm up.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/cheesy-beef-and-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/