Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole🍚🥩 – Page 2

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’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:

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.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its comforting layers of beef, rice, and cheese, it’s a guaranteed hit with the whole family, including picky eaters!
Customizable: You can add extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, or peas, or even spice it up with a bit of jalapeño for some heat. Feel free to switch up the cheeses as well for different flavors.
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, don’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 food—simple to make, hearty, and delicious. It’s packed with protein, cheesy goodness, and just the right amount of flavor. Whether you’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! 🍽️🧀

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