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Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

A comforting and hearty casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese, perfect for a family dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Casserole, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for optimal flavor and moisture
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth low sodium recommended
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese plus more for topping
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey texture
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, drained
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning for added flavor
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing

Method
 

Prepare the Beef Mixture
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. This step enhances the flavor of the onion.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Garlic can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure the beef is cooked through to avoid any food safety issues.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Combine Rice and Broth
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice and beef broth. This will allow the rice to absorb the flavors from the broth as it cooks.
Assemble the Casserole
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a casserole dish, combine the beef mixture with the rice and broth mixture. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
  3. Top the mixture with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Reserve some cheese for topping later if desired.
Bake the Casserole
  1. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This helps the rice cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
  2. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This step adds a delicious crust to the cheese.
Serve
  1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.
  2. Serve warm, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

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