Description
A hearty baked casserole with ground beef, rice, and melty cheese, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80 or 85% lean)
- 1 cup white rice (cooked)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2–3 cups beef broth
- 1.5 cups milk (2% or whole)
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Optional veggies (peas, corn, chopped spinach, or diced bell pepper)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Add diced onion and cook until softened, then stir in garlic.
- Build the creamy sauce: Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of flour, stir, and slowly pour in broth and milk while stirring until creamy and thickened. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
- Stir in rice and cheese: Mix in the cooked rice and part of the cheese. Add any optional veggies now.
- Bake: Spoon mixture into a greased baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes until bubbly.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. Leftovers keep well for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 60mg