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Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

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A comforting and easy casserole combining savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and creamy cheese, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice (185 grams)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth (480 ml), low-sodium preferred
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (170 grams)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (115 grams) (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups (480 ml) of water to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  3. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Season the beef mixture: Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2 more minutes, letting flavors meld.
  5. Combine cheeses: In a bowl, mix shredded cheddar and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  6. Assemble the casserole: In the casserole dish, spread the cooked rice evenly. Layer the beef mixture on top, then dollop the cheese mixture over the beef. Use a spatula to gently spread it out, covering most of the surface but leaving some texture visible.
  7. Bake uncovered: Place casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and golden around the edges.
  8. Rest and garnish: Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Drain excess fat from beef to avoid sogginess. Cook rice separately for fluffiness. Cover casserole loosely with foil halfway through baking if it starts to dry out. Let casserole rest before serving for better portioning. Cream cheese adds extra creaminess; can substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy beef casserole, beef and rice casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, casserole recipe

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/cheesy-beef-and-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-comforting-dinner-idea/