Description
Comfort meets culinary delight in this hearty Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, blending rich flavors and satisfying textures. Melted cheese, savory beef, and fluffy rice create a perfect meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen corn or peas (optional)
Grains, Liquids, and Seasonings:
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 375°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease layer to prevent sticking.
- Position a large skillet over medium-high heat and introduce ground beef, methodically fragmenting the meat while cooking until it achieves a rich brown coloration.
- Incorporate aromatic vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and garlic into the sizzling meat, allowing them to soften and release their essential flavors for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Season the meat mixture with a harmonious blend of smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Introduce uncooked rice directly into the seasoned meat combination, creating a textural foundation for the casserole.
- Pour beef broth, canned tomatoes with their natural juices, and frozen vegetable medley into the skillet, gently bringing the entire mixture to a subtle rolling boil.
- Carefully transfer the robust meat and rice ensemble into the prepared baking dish, sealing it completely with aluminum foil to preserve moisture during the initial cooking phase.
- Slide the covered casserole into the preheated oven and allow it to bake for 30-35 minutes, ensuring the rice becomes perfectly tender and absorbs all surrounding liquids.
- While the casserole bakes, craft a crispy topping by combining shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter in a separate mixing bowl.
- Remove the casserole, unveil the foil, and generously distribute the cheese mixture across the surface in an even layer.
- Return the dish to the oven without covering, and bake an additional 10-12 minutes until the topping transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, permitting the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce extra fat and create a healthier dish without compromising flavor.
- Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that maintains the casserole’s delicious texture.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack or pepper jack to customize the flavor profile and add excitement.
- Prep vegetables ahead of time to streamline cooking process and make weeknight meal preparation faster and more efficient.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg