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Cozy One-Pot Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe Easy and Cheesy

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A quick and comforting one-pot casserole combining ground beef, rice, and melted cheese for a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 1/2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas or corn

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 8-10 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add chopped onion to the beef and sauté 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir to combine, then fold in drained diced tomatoes.
  4. Add uncooked rice to the pot and stir to coat with the beef and tomato mixture.
  5. Pour in beef broth and stir. Increase heat to bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook for 18-20 minutes without stirring.
  7. If using, stir in frozen peas or corn about 5 minutes before the rice is done cooking.
  8. Turn off heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
  9. Fluff casserole gently with a fork to mix cheese throughout and serve warm.

Notes

Do not skip browning the meat for best flavor. Use a tight-fitting lid to ensure even cooking of rice. Avoid stirring once simmering to prevent gummy texture. Add cheese at the end to avoid greasy separation. If rice is undercooked after 20 minutes, add a splash of broth or water and cook a few more minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, ground beef, rice casserole, cheesy, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/cozy-one-pot-ground-beef-and-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-and-cheesy/