Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake: 7 Easy Steps to Dinner
Table of Contents
- Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake: Your Next Weeknight Dinner Hero
- Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake
- Ingredients for Ground Beef and Rice Bake
- How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake: Step-by-Step
- Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Variations and Substitutions
- Serving Suggestions
- Storage Instructions
- F.A.Q
Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight meal: the **Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake: 7 Easy Steps to Dinner**. This incredibly satisfying dish brings together savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a generous amount of gooey cheese in one irresistible casserole. It’s comforting, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to put together, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Forget complicated recipes and endless cleanup. Our goal today is to show you just how easy it is to create a hearty, family-friendly dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into making this delicious bake!
Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake: Your Next Weeknight Dinner Hero
In the quest for effortless yet delicious dinners, the **Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake: 7 Easy Steps to Dinner** stands out. This recipe is a true hero for those evenings when you want something substantial and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a complete meal in one dish, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
Imagine tender ground beef seasoned to perfection, mixed with perfectly cooked rice, and blanketed under a layer of bubbly, melted cheese. This bake delivers on both taste and convenience, proving that quick dinners can still be incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this particular ground beef and rice casserole:
- Effortless Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a breeze to make, even for novice cooks.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore the cheesy, savory flavors of this **Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake**. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and rice are economical staples, making this a smart choice for any budget.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings to suit your family’s tastes.
- Great for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making it excellent for lunches or future dinners.
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Rice Bake
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful and delicious **Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake: 7 Easy Steps to Dinner**. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups cooked white rice (ensure it’s cooled)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (or a blend like Colby-Jack)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake: Step-by-Step
Making this Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake is incredibly simple. Just follow these easy steps for a perfect casserole every time.
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Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. For tips on perfectly browning ground beef, check out this helpful guide on Food Network.
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
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Step 2: Cook the Rice
For this recipe, you’ll need two cups of cooked white rice. You can prepare this ahead of time or while the beef mixture simmers. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and ensure it’s cooled slightly before adding it to the beef mixture. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming mushy.
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Step 3: Combine and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture with the cooled rice. Stir gently until well combined. Transfer half of the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Top with the remaining beef and rice mixture, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. If you desire a slightly browned top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Garnish with fresh parsley, if using, and serve hot. This makes a fantastic **Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake**!
Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Achieving the perfect ground beef and rice casserole is all about a few key techniques:
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Brown it until no pink remains, but avoid drying it out.
- Cool the Rice: Using cooled, pre-cooked rice prevents the casserole from becoming too moist or mushy during baking. Leftover rice is perfect!
- Choose Your Cheese Wisely: While cheddar is classic, Colby-Jack, mozzarella, or even a Mexican blend work wonderfully for a different flavor profile.
- Season Generously: Taste the beef mixture before adding the rice and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Grease Your Dish: A light spray of cooking oil ensures easy serving and cleanup.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this **Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake** is its versatility:
- Add Veggies: Stir in a can of drained corn, peas, or diced bell peppers with the onion for extra nutrition and color.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a kick.
- Different Grains: While white rice is traditional, you could experiment with brown rice (adjust cooking time) or even quinoa.
- Swap the Meat: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative.
- Herb Power: Fresh herbs like oregano or basil can elevate the flavor significantly.
Looking for more comforting bakes? Read our in-depth guide here.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls for soaking up any delicious sauce.
Storage Instructions
This casserole is fantastic for leftovers!
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover **Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake** in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
- Freeze: You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
F.A.Q
Can I use uncooked rice in this Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake?
No, this recipe specifically calls for cooked rice. Adding uncooked rice would require significantly more liquid and a longer baking time, altering the recipe’s balance. Using pre-cooked rice ensures the casserole doesn’t become mushy and cooks evenly.
What kind of cheese is best for this ground beef casserole?
Shredded cheddar cheese is a classic choice and melts beautifully, giving that iconic cheesy flavor. However, a Colby-Jack blend, mozzarella, or even a mild Monterey Jack would also work wonderfully. Feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheese!
Can I make this Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (without baking) and cover it tightly, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through evenly. You might also want to add the top layer of cheese closer to baking time to prevent it from drying out.