Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until the beef is browned and onions are tender. Drain excess fat.
3. Add Rice & Vegetables: Stir in the uncooked rice, frozen vegetables, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
4. Add Broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot the top with butter. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
6. Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
7. Add Cheese & Milk: Remove foil, pour milk evenly over the casserole, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy

Variations & Substitutions

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a lighter version.
• Swap white rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
• Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Mix in different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for varied flavor.

Serving Suggestions