Introduction:
Do you crave a delicious, hearty, and cheesy dish? If yes, then this beef and rice casserole would be up your alley. Enjoy a layer of tasty beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese all in one casserole dish. It’s so good that everyone would appreciate it, and it is ideal for family dinner or meal prepping!
Ingredients
500 grams of ground beef
2 cups of white rice cooked
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 can of tomatoes
2 cups of grated cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
One tablespoon of fruit oil
One teaspoon of paprika
One teaspoon of dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Set the oven temperature to 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cooking the beef mixture: In a frying pan, bring olive oil to a medium heat. Add the onions and sprinkle 3 minutes before softening. Then add the minced garlic and cook in another minute. Add minced meat and continue cooking until it is brown and broken into small chunks. Add ingredients like paprika, oregano salt, and pepper along with other seasonings.
Add tomato sauce: when the beef is all done cooking, introduce the tomato sauce then allow to boil for 5-7 minutes or till reduced sufficiently. Check the seasoning and correct as required.
Layer the casserole: In a greased casserole dish, spread half of the cooked rice as the first layer. Top with half of the beef mixture, and sprinkle a layer of cheese. Repeat with another layer of rice, beef, and finish with the remaining cheese on top.
Bake: Once the casserole is placed in the oven which has been preheated, cooking is done for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.
Serve: Cool down for a few minutes and then serve it. Taste this delicious dish composed of many different flavors!
Hints for Success:
For maximum flavor and ooey gooeyness, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.
Don’t forget to season the beef mixture, in order to elevate the taste of the casserole.
You can prepare the rice beforehand to cut down on cooking time.
Health Benefits:
Beef contains protein, iron, and vitamins such as vitamin B12 which is important to health.
Rice is a good source of carbohydrates which makes someone energetic and fills them.
Calcium and protein from cheese enhances the health of the meal.
Nutritional Information (Per serving):
Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Carbs: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Variations and Substitutions:
Meat swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
Vegetarian option: Lentils or other cooked plant based ground meat can be used in place of the beef.
Add vegetables: Diced and sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini bocconcini make for a healthier meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I make this casserole in advance? Yes, you can prepare it close to a day in advance and put it in the refrigerator. It will be baked when it’s time to eat it.
How long would be the greatest period that you can allow it in the fridge? This casserole can last in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. Warm it in the oven or in a microwave.
Can I freeze it? Yes, it can. Well, cool it completely and then freeze it in portions. You can reheat them without defrosting them or simply keep the dish in the refrigerator to defrost overnight.
Conclusion:
When it comes to comfort foods, nothing compares better than this beef and rice casserole – it is simply best at filling your tummy with deliciousness. The flavorful seasoned beef, soft rice and melted oozing cheese makes a delicious satisfying meal that you would not want to miss. It is very suitable for nights when you are tired and want an easy meal but also for occasions when you have to make a dish that will cater to everyone. It is one of the great aspects of this dish because it allows you to play around with the recipes, using different ingredients, be it vegetables, proteins, herbs and seasoning.
In addition, it is tasty instead of providing only meals which consist images of proteins, carbs or fats. Bluff, the depth of flavors with every dose makes each spoon taste a little better than the previous one. If you want to make a dish that serves the purpose of warmth yet is simple to make, then this casserole will soon find a place in your kitchen. Leftovers are easy to store making it a perfect dish for meal prepping and for eating over that span of a few days. For family dinners, potlucks or simply a warm and delicious dish for yourself, this casserole will fulfill all your desires for a wholesome meal.
