Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine. Allow it to cook for 1–2 minutes with the mixture.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup of cheddar on top and bake for another 5 minutes if desired for extra cheesy goodness.
9. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Use brown rice for a healthier, fiber-rich alternative.
• Replace cheddar with mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor.

Serving Suggestions