Post Title: Deliciously Hearty Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Total Time: 50 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
## Introduction
Indulge in the comforting delight of this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. It’s a flavorful dish delivering the perfect fusion of ground beef, rice, enhanced with a golden cheddar crust. It’s the epitome of comfort food that’s sure to be a hit in your family dinners!
## Why Make This Recipe
This casserole offers a combination of balanced nutrients from beef, rice, and cheddar cheese. It’s straightforward to prepare and perfect for make-ahead meals. Most importantly, it’s undeniably delicious, making you want to go back for seconds.
## How to Make Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
### Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 1/2 cups beef broth
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp butter, melted
### Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is no longer pink. Drain the excess fat.
3. Add the rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, salt, pepper, and paprika to the skillet. Stir and bring this mixture to a boil.
4. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, combine cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter.
6. Evenly sprinkle the cheddar mixture over the beef and rice.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese crust becomes golden brown and the rice is tender.
8. Let the casserole cool down for a few minutes before serving.
## How To Serve Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Serve this hearty casserole warm. It pairs excellently with a light, crispy salad or roasted vegetables to ensure a balanced meal.
## How to Store Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat in the oven to ensure the crispy cheesy crust.
## Tips To Make Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
– Make sure to drain the excess fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
– Season your mixture well before transferring it to the baking dish, as the flavors mellow down a bit after baking.
– Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. It allows the juices to redistribute and thickens up the sauce.
## Variation (if any)
For a wholesome twist, you can add more vegetables like bell peppers or peas in step 3.
## FAQs
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice for a fiber-rich handy substitute, but the cooking time may increase.
Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Add an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you’re going to bake it straight from the refrigerator.
Q3: Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the cooled and baked casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.