Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
1 cup beef broth (or water)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Combine Ingredients:
Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juices), cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the rice is tender.
Cool and Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
Tips:
Rice Cooking: If you prefer, you can use pre-cooked rice to speed up the cooking process. Just mix it in after browning the beef and reduce the baking time slightly.
Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers to the casserole for added nutrition and flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Enjoy!