Description
Comfort meets culinary magic in this ground beef and rice casserole, where melted cheese blankets savory meat and fluffy rice in a hearty one-pan wonder. Families will devour this classic dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Grains, Liquids, and Seasonings:
- 1 cup (200 grams) long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Sauté ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until meat turns golden brown and crumbles completely.
- Drain excess grease from the skillet, then mix in uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, then lower heat, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18 minutes until rice absorbs all liquid and becomes tender.
- Remove from heat and fold in sour cream, blending thoroughly to create a creamy texture.
- Sprinkle half the cheddar cheese into the beef and rice mixture, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it smoothly with a spatula.
- Scatter remaining cheese across the top of the casserole, creating an even layer.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish without compromising flavor.
- Rinse rice before cooking to remove extra starch and ensure fluffy, separate grains in the casserole.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm all ingredients like beef broth are certified gluten-free and substitute regular cheese with gluten-free alternatives.
- Consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture variation in the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg