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Cozy Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

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A warm, comforting casserole combining seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, perfect for cozy winter nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice and beef broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef to skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and frozen mixed vegetables (if using). Cook for 3-4 minutes to combine flavors.
  6. Mix cooked rice with beef mixture until evenly combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread half of the beef and rice mixture evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the layer.
  8. Top with remaining beef and rice mixture, then spread the rest of the cheeses evenly on top.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  10. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If cheese browns too fast, loosely cover casserole with foil halfway through baking. Let casserole rest 5 minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart. For dairy-free or vegetarian versions, substitute ground beef with mushrooms or lentils and use plant-based cheeses. Brown rice can be used but requires longer cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, winter recipe, ground beef, rice casserole

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/cozy-cheesy-beef-and-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-comfort-food-for-winter/