Here’s a rich, comforting, and family-friendly Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Cheese recipe. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies a crowd and makes fantastic leftovers!
Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Cheese
🍴 What to Expect:
Tender ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, flavorful veggies, and melty cheese all baked together in one dish. It’s cozy, filling, and budget-friendly.
🧺 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Main Casserole:
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1 lb ground beef (85% lean is ideal)
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1 small onion, finely diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup uncooked long grain white rice (or brown rice*)
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1 ½ cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
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1 cup tomato sauce
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1 tsp Italian seasoning or oregano
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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1 ½ cups mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, etc.) — frozen or fresh
For the Topping:
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend like Monterey Jack + cheddar)
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Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish, optional)
🔥 Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
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In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Add diced onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
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Stir in the rice (uncooked), beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasoning, and mixed vegetables.
3. Simmer Slightly:
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Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes, just until heated through. This helps soften the rice slightly before baking.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
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Pour the entire mixture into your prepared casserole dish.
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Cover tightly with foil (this traps steam to cook the rice).
5. Bake:
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Bake covered for 45–50 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
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Remove foil and sprinkle cheese over the top.
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Return to oven uncovered and bake an additional 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Rest and Serve:
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Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
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Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
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A crisp green salad
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Garlic bread or cornbread
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Pickles or hot sauce on the side
💡 Tips & Variations:
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Using brown rice? Increase the broth to 2 cups and bake for 60–70 minutes instead of 50.
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Add spice: Toss in a diced jalapeño or ½ tsp red pepper flakes.
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No canned tomatoes? Sub with 1 cup marinara or salsa.
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Make it creamy: Add ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese to the beef mixture before baking.