Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining savory ground beef, tender rice, and melty cheddar cheese baked to perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, it delivers rich flavors with Italian seasoning, garlic, and diced tomatoes in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in Cheese and Sour Cream: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the sour cream along with half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly into the beef and rice mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling on the surface.
- Serve Warm: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking, then serve warm for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef to reduce grease in the casserole.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with a blend of cheeses for varied flavor.
- Make sure to cover the skillet while simmering the rice to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
