Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole — One-Pan Comfort in Just 30 Minutes

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Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole — One-Pan Comfort in Just 30 Minutes

When life gets busy, dinner doesn’t have to suffer. Enter the Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole, a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. This one-pan wonder combines tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce for a dish that’s comfort food at its finest. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it’s simple, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef – lean or regular, depending on preference
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes, drained (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions


Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until translucent.
  3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

  1. Add the ground beef to the skillet.
  2. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano, mixing evenly.
  4. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Rice and Liquids

  1. Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure each grain is coated in the flavorful beef mixture.
  2. Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.

Tip: Avoid covering completely if using a non-stick pan. A gentle simmer ensures the rice absorbs the liquid evenly.

Step 4: Cook the Casserole

  1. Cover the pan with a lid and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Check the rice for doneness — it should be tender but not mushy.
  3. Reduce heat if necessary and cook until the liquid is fully absorbed.

 

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