Description
This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. Savory ground beef, tender rice, and a cheesy crust come together in this easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Rice and Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Sauté Onion and Beef: In a large skillet, cook onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic, then brown the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the uncooked rice, peas and carrots, and beef broth. Simmer briefly, then transfer to the baking dish.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Uncover, top with cheeses, and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste to the ground beef mixture.
- If using brown rice, adjust baking time accordingly and monitor liquid levels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6 of dish)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
