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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice CasserolešŸššŸ„©

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C) to ensure itā€™s nice and hot when the casserole is ready to bake.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.

3. Combine the Ingredients:

  • Once the beef is cooked, add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Add the uncooked rice to the mixture and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb some of the flavors from the beef and broth.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

  • Transfer the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
  • Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, covering the entire casserole.

5. Bake:

  • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the rice is fully cooked.

6. Garnish and Serve:

  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with a side salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers to balance out the meal.
  • Garlic Bread: Serve with a slice of crispy garlic bread to soak up any leftover cheesy goodness.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try:

  1. Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a dish to prep ahead of time.
  2. Crowd-Pleaser: With its comforting layers of beef, rice, and cheese, itā€™s a guaranteed hit with the whole family, including picky eaters!
  3. Customizable: You can add extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, or peas, or even spice it up with a bit of jalapeƱo for some heat. Feel free to switch up the cheeses as well for different flavors.
  4. Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole:

  • Use long-grain rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this casserole, as it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors from the beef and broth.
  • Check the rice: If the rice isn’t fully cooked after the baking time, you can cover the casserole and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or add a little extra broth and bake until the rice is tender.
  • Make it spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some chopped green chilies or hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Add more cheese: If you love cheesy dishes, donā€™t be afraid to add a little extra cheese on top before baking for an even cheesier crust.

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort foodā€”simple to make, hearty, and delicious. Itā€™s packed with protein, cheesy goodness, and just the right amount of flavor. Whether youā€™re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this casserole will surely become a staple in your meal rotation.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the wonderful aroma of this cheesy, meaty casserole fill your kitchen! Enjoy! šŸ½ļøšŸ§€

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