Description
Whip up this savory cheesy ground beef and rice casserole for a hearty, family‑friendly dinner that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 cup long‑grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp all‑purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish with a light spray of oil.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium‑high heat, add 2 Tbsp olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Season: Stir in oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom.
- Add rice and liquids: Sprinkle the rinsed rice over the beef mixture. Pour in beef broth and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Fold in veggies: Gently stir in the thawed peas and carrots, reserving a small handful of cheese for topping.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the beef‑rice mixture evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Finish: Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use a rice that cooks quickly, like jasmine or medium‑grain, to keep the timing tight.
- For a thicker casserole, sprinkle 1 Tbsp flour over the rice before adding liquids; stir to coat.
- Choose a sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor, or mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Keep the oven door closed during baking to maintain even heat.
- Let the casserole sit after baking; the residual heat finishes cooking the rice and melds flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: savory cheesy ground beef and rice casserole