Indulge in the savory delight of our Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole—a comforting dish that marries the richness of lean ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice. This flavorful casserole is bound to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the simple yet delicious recipe!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 medium tomato, coarsely chopped
- 4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tbsp minced onion
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice
- ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the lean ground beef until it’s thoroughly cooked, typically around 5 to 7 minutes.
- Vegetable Infusion: Introduce the finely diced green bell pepper, coarsely chopped tomato, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir and cook until the pepper has slightly softened, approximately 5 minutes. Strain half of the liquid from the canned diced tomatoes into the mix.
- Flavorful Seasoning: Add minced onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir in the diced tomatoes and let it simmer until the liquid reduces, usually around 10 minutes.
- Rice Fusion: Blend the cooked rice into the beef and vegetable mixture until thoroughly combined.
- Casserole Assembly: Transfer the well-mixed concoction into a casserole dish, ensuring an even layer. Sprinkle the top with a generous layer of shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Baking Magic: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the filling is heated through, and the cheese is golden and melted.
- Serving Time: Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Delight in the flavorful harmony of savory beef, vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice in every bite!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
Nutritional values are estimations and can differ depending on the brands of ingredients used and the sizes of portions.
Cooking Tips:
- Experiment with different cheese varieties for a personalized touch.
- Enhance the flavor with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
- Customize the vegetable mix by adding your favorites for additional texture and taste.