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Best Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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This easy cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is a comforting, foolproof weeknight dinner. With savory ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, and a blanket of melted cheddar and mozzarella, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in about 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (e.g., Rotel), undrained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles, dried oregano, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Pour in beef broth and add uncooked rice. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let bubble for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden and rice is tender.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, grate your own cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Let the casserole rest after baking to allow it to set. If using brown rice, increase baking time by 15-20 minutes and add an extra 1/4 cup of broth.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://cookdella.com/best-easy-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-casserole-recipe/