re you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy your hunger? Look no further than this Beef and Rice Casserole with Cheese! This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of tender ground beef, savory rice, and melted cheese creates a meal that’s both filling and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this casserole will become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Why This Beef and Rice Casserole is a Must-Try
This beef casserole recipe is not only mouthwatering but also incredibly versatile. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Here’s why you’ll love this casserole:
- Easy to Make: It’s a one-pot wonder, with minimal prep time. Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Perfectly Balanced: The beef provides a hearty protein, while the rice adds texture and substance. The cheese ties everything together with a creamy, savory finish.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the flavors, making this casserole the perfect meal for families. Plus, it’s easy to scale up or down depending on how many people you’re serving.
- Leftovers Galore: If you have leftovers, this dish reheats beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the instructions, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this beef and rice casserole with cheese recipe:
- Ground Beef: You’ll need around 1 pound of ground beef. Lean beef works best, but feel free to use fattier beef for more flavor.
- Rice: 1 cup of long-grain white rice will do the trick. You can also experiment with other types of rice like brown rice or jasmine rice for a twist.
- Onion: A medium-sized onion, chopped, adds great flavor to the dish.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves of garlic, minced, bring a punch of savory goodness.
- Cheese: Use a blend of shredded cheese such as mozzarella and cheddar. This will give the casserole a nice melt and flavor.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 can of tomato sauce helps create the base of the casserole and adds a tangy richness.
- Beef Broth: 1 cup of beef broth adds depth to the casserole, making it juicy and flavorful.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and dried herbs like oregano and thyme bring the perfect balance of flavor to the dish.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley for garnish adds a pop of color and a bit of freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have everything ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own hearty beef and rice casserole with cheese:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine the Ingredients: To the skillet, add the rice, tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to soak up the liquid.
- Transfer to a Casserole Dish: Once the rice has absorbed the broth, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed to ensure every bite has a cheesy finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips for Perfect Beef and Rice Casserole
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to give your casserole a spicy kick.
- Add Vegetables: To make this casserole even heartier, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the beef.
- Use Ground Turkey: If you want a lighter version, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Double the Recipe: This casserole is perfect for leftovers, so consider making a double batch and enjoying it throughout the week.
- Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as gouda, provolone, or Parmesan, to give your casserole a unique twist.
Why This Casserole is Great for Meal Prep
This beef and rice casserole is ideal for meal prepping. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick and satisfying meal. The casserole also freezes well for up to 3 months, making it a great option for busy days when you don’t feel like cooking.
Final Thoughts
This hearty beef and rice casserole with cheese is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit. The flavors meld perfectly, the cheese melts beautifully, and the rice adds the perfect texture. Give this recipe a try, and we guarantee it will become one of your favorite go-to dinners.