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Beef and Rice Casserole

A hearty and comforting beef and rice casserole, layered with savory flavors and topped with melted cheese, perfect for a family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Mixture
  • 1 lb ground beef preferably 80/20 for flavor
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup bell pepper diced, any color
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, undrained
  • 1 cup beef broth low sodium recommended
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice rinsed and drained
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Topping
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or cheese of choice
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs optional for extra crunch

Method
 

Prepare the Beef Mixture
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, uncooked rice, salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb some of the liquid.
Assemble the Casserole
  1. Transfer the beef and rice mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
  2. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  3. If using, sprinkle the bread crumbs over the cheese for added texture.
Bake the Casserole
  1. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This helps to steam the rice and melt the cheese.
  2. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  3. Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.

Notes

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference. You can add corn, peas, or even mushrooms for extra flavor.