Description
A comforting, family-friendly casserole loaded with savory ground beef, tender rice, tangy tomato sauce, and melty cheddar cheese. This one-dish wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1 pound
- White Rice: 1 cup uncooked
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic Cloves: 2, minced
- Beef Broth: 2 cups
- Tomato Sauce: 1 can (15 ounces)
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onion for 3 minutes, then garlic for 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain fat.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Mix beef, uncooked rice, broth, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour into the baking dish. Top with 1½ cups cheddar cheese.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover with foil. Bake for 40 minutes. Uncover, add remaining cheese, and bake 10 more minutes.
- Finishing Touches: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dish out and pair with salad or bread.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to improve texture.
- Add bell peppers, corn, or spices to customize flavor.
- Freeze before or after baking for easy future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg