Ground Beef & Rice Casserole (One-Pan Comfort Bake)

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🥘 Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 45 mins | Servings: 6

📝 Description

This “One-Pan Comfort Bake” bridges the gap between a classic beef pilaf and a cheesy gratin. It’s a complete meal in one dish—protein, carbs, and veggies—bound together by a savory tomato-beef broth and finished with a golden, bubbly layer of cheddar.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) Lean Ground Beef (90/10 preferred)

  • 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice (uncooked)

  • 1 small Yellow Onion, diced

  • 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced

  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced

  • 2 cups Beef Broth (low sodium)

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes (do not drain)

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika

  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano

  • 1.5 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

  • Salt & Pepper to taste

  • Fresh Parsley for garnish

🍳 Instructions

  1. Sauté: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease.

  2. Aromatics: Add the onion and bell pepper to the beef. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

  3. Combine: Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

  4. Simmer: Cover tightly with a lid or foil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 18–20 minutes (or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed).

  5. Melt: Remove from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.

  6. Broil (Optional): Place the pan under the oven broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

  7. Rest: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the rice to set.

💡 Chef’s Tips & Notes

  • Rice Type Matters: Stick to long-grain white rice (like Jasmine or Basmati). Do not use Minute Rice (it will turn to mush) or Brown Rice (it requires significantly more liquid and time).

  • The “Tight Seal”: If your skillet lid isn’t tight, steam escapes and the rice won’t cook. Use a layer of foil under the lid to lock in moisture.

  • Veggie Boost: Stir in a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of simmering for extra color and nutrition.

🥗 Benefits & Nutrition

This meal is a powerhouse for families. It provides high-quality protein for muscle repair and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving):

| Calories | Protein | Net Carbs | Fat | Fiber |

| 410 kcal | 28g | 32g | 19g | 2g |

❓ Common Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I freeze this?

A: Yes! Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q: My rice is still crunchy, what happened?

A: This usually happens if the heat was too high (evaporating liquid too fast) or the lid wasn’t sealed tight. Add $1/4$ cup of broth, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead?

A: Absolutely. Since turkey is leaner, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil when sautéing the onions to prevent sticking.

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