Description
A comforting and satisfying one-pan casserole featuring ground beef, rice, and a layer of melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup tomato sauce or passata
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or corn
- Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, and crumble it with a spatula. Cook until brown, about 6–8 minutes.
- Push the beef to one side and add oil to the pan. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 4–5 minutes, then add garlic.
- Combine the beef with the onions and garlic, stir in the tomato paste, and cook for a minute.
- Add the drained tomatoes, tomato sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, and seasonings; let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the rinsed rice and pour in the broth, bringing to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Fold in the frozen peas or corn and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a personalized touch, add your favorite spices or vegetables. This casserole reheats well and can be made ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: casserole, comfort food, beef, rice, cheesy