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To make Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole, gather these ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups beef broth - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (any color) - 1 cup onion, finely chopped - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Ground beef can be replaced with turkey or chicken for a lighter meal. - Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian option. - If you don't have fresh bell peppers, use frozen ones or skip them. - For cheese, feel free to use Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different taste. Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference. Here’s how to pick the best: - Buy fresh ground beef with a bright red color and no strong smell. - Select rice that is whole and dry. White rice cooks faster than brown rice. - Look for firm bell peppers without any soft spots. - Choose onions that feel heavy for their size and have no sprouting. - For the cheese, opt for blocks of cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting. These ingredient tips help you create a tasty dish every time! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need ground beef, rice, broth, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, cheese, and some spices. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will help the casserole not stick. In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. Cook until it is browned. Use a spoon to break the meat into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Once it is browned, drain any extra fat. Next, add the finely chopped bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Cook these for about 5 minutes. You want the vegetables to soften up. This adds great flavor to your dish. After the veggies are soft, stir in the uncooked rice. Then, pour in the beef broth. Add the drained diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well. This step is key for flavor. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the rice to cook and soak up the flavors. After 30 minutes, remove the foil. Stir the casserole gently to mix it up. Then, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake it uncovered for an extra 15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble up nicely. When the cheese looks golden and bubbly, take it out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your cheesy ground beef rice casserole! You can make this casserole your own in many ways. Try adding different veggies. Some great options are zucchini, corn, or spinach. You can also change the cheese. Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a nice kick. If you want a bit more spice, add a dash of hot sauce or some jalapeños. For a creamy touch, mix in a can of cream of mushroom soup. You can even swap the beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. To get that gooey, melty cheese on top, choose a good quality cheddar. Shredded cheese melts better than slices. Spread it evenly across the casserole for even melting. Bake it uncovered for the last 15 minutes. This helps the cheese get bubbly and slightly crispy. If you love extra cheese, sprinkle some on during the last few minutes of baking for an even cheesier top. You can make this casserole ahead of time. Simply prepare the mixture and layer it in the baking dish. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. You can bake it the next day, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. If you want to freeze it, do so before baking. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. This way, you have a tasty meal ready whenever you need it. Pro Tips Brown the Beef Well: A good sear on the ground beef adds depth of flavor to the casserole. Make sure to cook it until it's well browned before adding the vegetables. Choose Your Rice Wisely: Using brown rice will add a nutty flavor and more nutrients, but it will require a longer cooking time. Adjust the beef broth accordingly if using brown rice. Make It Your Own: Feel free to add other veggies like corn or zucchini for extra nutrition and color. Just make sure to chop them finely so they cook evenly. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve. {{image_2}} You can easily make this casserole vegetarian. Swap the ground beef for lentils or mushrooms. Both options add great texture and flavor. Lentils cook fast and soak up the broth well. Mushrooms give a rich, earthy taste. Use the same spices and veggies for a tasty dish. Feel free to mix in other veggies. Zucchini, corn, or spinach work well. Just chop them small so they cook evenly. You can also use frozen mixed veggies for a quick option. These additions boost the nutrition and flavor of your casserole. Cheese is key to this dish. While cheddar is classic, other cheeses can shine too. Try mozzarella for a stretchy, gooey texture. Or use pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can even mix different cheeses for a unique taste. The options are endless! To keep your Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. If using a microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short bursts, checking often, until warm. If you want to freeze the casserole, it’s easy! First, cool it completely. Then, cut it into portions for easy meals later. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. Just let it cool before you freeze. You can use instant rice, but it might change the texture. Instant rice cooks faster than uncooked rice. If you choose this option, reduce the beef broth by half. Add the instant rice at the end of cooking, right before you bake. You can serve this casserole with a simple salad or steamed veggies. Garlic bread also pairs well. If you want a bit of crunch, add some tortilla chips on the side. This meal is filling, so light sides work best. In this article, we explored the key ingredients for a tasty Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole, including substitutions and tips on how to choose the best options. We covered step-by-step instructions on preparing and baking your casserole, along with helpful tips for customizing it to your taste. Lastly, we discussed storage methods and answered common questions about this dish. With these insights, you can make a delicious meal that satisfies everyone. Enjoy your cooking!

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

A hearty and cheesy casserole made with ground beef, rice, and vegetables, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (any color)
  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add chopped bell pepper and onion to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the rice, beef broth, drained diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  • Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil, stir the casserole, and then top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or spices according to your taste.
Keyword beef, casserole, cheese, rice