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Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines hearty ground beef, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a layer of melted cheddar cheese and crispy crust. This easy-to-make casserole is a crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
  • 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 cup frozen corn or peas (optional)

For the Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. If needed, add olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Stir in the onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until softened.
  4. Season with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

3. Combine Casserole Ingredients:

  1. Stir the uncooked rice into the beef mixture.
  2. Add the beef broth, canned tomatoes (with their juice), and frozen vegetables (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

  1. Transfer the beef and rice mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil to prevent drying out.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

5. Add the Cheddar Crust:

  1. In a small bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter.
  2. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the casserole.

6. Bake and Serve:

  1. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  2. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Find it online: https://recipe.ukfinda.com/cheddar-crusted-ground-beef-and-rice-casserole/