Ground Beef And Cheesy Rice Bake
Highlighted under: Homestyle Favorites
I often turn to this Ground Beef And Cheesy Rice Bake when I need a comforting meal that the whole family will love. Its combination of tender beef, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice creates a delightful dish that fills the home with warmth. I love how it all comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it's perfect for meal prep—this bake holds up wonderfully in the fridge for a few days, ensuring that leftover nights are just as delicious as the first serving!
When I first experimented with the Ground Beef And Cheesy Rice Bake, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. I aimed for a comforting, hearty meal, and the result exceeded my expectations! The beef is seasoned perfectly, and it combines seamlessly with the gooey cheese and rice. I discovered that adding a touch of garlic and onion elevates the flavor profile, giving it that extra zest!
One of my favorite aspects of this dish is how you can easily customize it. You can throw in veggies like bell peppers or corn, or switch up the cheese for a different flavor. It’s versatile, fun to make, and always leaves me satisfied. I can’t wait for you to try this delightful bake!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for family dinners
- Rich cheesy flavor that kids adore
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins
Ingredients Breakdown
Each ingredient in this Ground Beef And Cheesy Rice Bake serves a specific purpose that enhances the overall flavor and texture. The ground beef provides a hearty foundation, while the rice absorbs the savory beef broth and cream of mushroom soup, creating a comforting and filling dish. The addition of frozen mixed vegetables not only adds nutrition but also a pop of color, making it visually appealing for family dinners.
The choice of cheese is crucial for achieving that gooey, cheesy top. I recommend using sharp cheddar for a robust flavor, but feel free to substitute with mozzarella or a cheese blend for a milder taste. If you're looking to kick up the flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan under the cheddar before baking. Trust me, the depth of flavor it adds makes a difference!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
When cooking the ground beef, be sure to break it apart well while it browns. This ensures even cooking and prevents any large clumps. Ideally, the beef should be browned evenly, taking about 5-7 minutes over medium heat. Drain off excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy, as the creamy soup will already provide richness.
Another important step is the sautéing of the onion and garlic. Cook them until the onion is translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. This technique forms a flavor base for the entire dish, and skipping it can leave you with a less aromatic bake.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a delicious meal:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
All set to create your delicious bake!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare the dish:
Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Combine Ingredients
Stir in the rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, frozen vegetables, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Bake the Dish
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
And there you have it—a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also use brown rice, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This Ground Beef And Cheesy Rice Bake is fantastic for meal prep! You can assemble the dish and store it covered in the fridge for up to two days before baking. Just make sure to leave the cheese out until you’re ready to bake, as it will maintain its texture better this way. If you want to freeze it, consider fully cooking the dish first, allowing it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
To reheat leftovers, simply cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious to avoid overcooking, which can result in dry rice.
Variations and Customizations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also incorporate different vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or even broccoli for a nutrition boost. If you use fresh vegetables, reduce the amount of beef broth slightly to maintain the right moisture level.
For added spice, consider mixing in a teaspoon of chili powder or diced jalapeños to the mixture before baking. This can elevate the dish's heat and complexity, appealing to those who enjoy a little kick in their meals. Lastly, for a touch of freshness, try garnishing with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use leftover rice in this recipe?
Yes, using leftover rice is a great idea. Just adjust the broth quantity accordingly since the rice won’t absorb as much liquid.
→ Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with a simple green salad or some garlic bread on the side to soak up the cheesy goodness.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Ground Beef And Cheesy Rice Bake
I often turn to this Ground Beef And Cheesy Rice Bake when I need a comforting meal that the whole family will love. Its combination of tender beef, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice creates a delightful dish that fills the home with warmth. I love how it all comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it's perfect for meal prep—this bake holds up wonderfully in the fridge for a few days, ensuring that leftover nights are just as delicious as the first serving!
Created by: Quinn Harper
Recipe Type: Homestyle Favorites
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, frozen vegetables, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also use brown rice, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 28g