Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is an easy, family-friendly dinner packed with seasoned beef, veggies, creamy rice, and plenty of melty cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 bell peppers, cubed – Use any color you like. I love using two different colors to make the casserole a little more colorful.
- 1 large onion, diced – A yellow or white onion works perfectly.
- 6 garlic cloves, minced – I know six sounds like a lot, but trust me! Fresh garlic adds so much flavor.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 15 oz can crushed tomatoes – This adds tomato flavor and helps keep the rice moist without making the casserole taste like tomato sauce.
- 2 cups uncooked white rice – Use regular long grain white rice
- 3 1.2 cups beef broth – The uncooked rice absorbs the chicken broth as it bakes, giving you flavorful, tender rice. Chicken broth can also be used.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – Just enough to make the rice rich and creamy
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Mrs. Dash seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheese – Use your favorite melting cheese. Cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses would all work well.
- Fresh cilantro or fresh parsley – Either one is great for adding a little freshness before serving.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.I like to combine all the seasonings into a small bowl.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about a minute, stirring occasionally.Add the cubed bell peppers and half of the seasonings. Give everything a good stir and continue cooking until the peppers and onion begin to soften.Add the minced garlic toward the end. I like adding fresh garlic last because it only needs a short amount of time to cook. Let it cook just until fragrant, then transfer the vegetable mixture to a large bowl.
- Return the same skillet to the stove, then add 1 tablespoon of oil, add in the ground beef and the remaining half of the seasonings. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through. If necessary, drain off any excess grease.Add the cooked ground beef to the large bowl with the peppers and onions.
- Now add the crushed tomatoes, uncooked rice, broth, and heavy cream. Mix everything really well, making sure the rice and beef mixture are evenly distributed.Transfer everything to a large casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.Cover and bake at 400°F for about 35 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and tender. Depending on your oven and the type of white rice you use, the cooking time can vary slightly, so check the rice before adding your cheese.Once the rice is tender, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the top.Place the casserole back into the oven just until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley.