Ground Beef and Cheddar Rice Bake

Last week, my neighbor knocked on my door asking for “that amazing smell” recipe wafting from my kitchen. The aroma belonged to my Ground Beef and Cheddar Rice Bake, a comfort food rice dish that transforms simple ingredients into pure magic. This hearty family rice bake combines tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheddar cheese into one satisfying meal that pleases everyone at the table.

Furthermore, this recipe proves that easy casserole meals don’t require complicated techniques or expensive ingredients. Instead, you’ll discover how basic pantry staples create extraordinary flavor when combined thoughtfully. Additionally, this beef rice casserole delivers maximum taste with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something both nourishing and delicious.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

This creamy rice casserole starts with carefully selected ingredients that work together beautifully. Moreover, each component serves a specific purpose in creating the perfect texture and flavor balance.

Main Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (85/15 lean ratio recommended)
1½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2½ cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Possible Substitutions:

Replace ground beef with ground turkey for leaner option
Substitute brown rice for white rice (increase cooking time by 15 minutes)
Use Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar for milder flavor
Swap frozen peas for corn if preferred
Try vegetable broth for lighter taste

Timing

This oven skillet bake requires strategic timing to achieve perfect results. Specifically, preparation takes 15 minutes, while cooking requires 45 minutes, bringing total time to 60 minutes. Consequently, this timing beats traditional casseroles by approximately 25%, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.

Time Breakdown:

Prep time: 15 minutes
Active cooking: 10 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Resting period: 5 minutes
Total time: 75 minutes

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Next, gather all ingredients on your counter for smooth workflow. This preparation step prevents rushing later and produces better results for your ground beef and rice bake.

Step 2: Brown the Beef Mixture

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Then, add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Subsequently, add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Finally, add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until no pink remains (approximately 6-7 minutes).

Step 3: Season and Combine

Drain excess fat from the beef mixture, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor. Afterward, stir in paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly distributed. Then, add drained diced tomatoes and frozen corn, mixing thoroughly. This step builds the flavor foundation for your cheesy beef rice dinner.

Step 4: Add Rice and Liquid

Pour uncooked rice into the beef mixture and stir gently to coat each grain. Next, slowly add beef broth while stirring continuously to prevent clumping. The liquid should cover the rice by about ½ inch. If needed, add warm water to reach proper level.

Step 5: Transfer and Top

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Then, cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam for proper rice cooking. This technique produces the fluffy texture that makes this easy casserole meal so appealing.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Place covered dish in preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. Meanwhile, grate fresh cheddar cheese if you haven’t already. After 35 minutes, remove foil and sprinkle cheese evenly over the surface. Return to oven uncovered for final 10 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles golden.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows flavors to settle and makes serving easier. Finally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness that complements this comfort food rice dish.

Nutritional Information

This hearty family rice bake provides balanced nutrition with approximately 420 calories per serving (recipe serves 6). Additionally, each portion contains 28 grams of protein, making it excellent for muscle maintenance and growth.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	420	21%
Protein	28g	56%
Carbohydrates	35g	12%
Fat	18g	28%
Fiber	2g	8%
Sodium	680mg	30%
Calcium	280mg	28%
Iron	3.2mg	18%

Furthermore, this recipe provides significant amounts of vitamin B12, zinc, and phosphorus. The combination of lean protein and complex carbohydrates also supports sustained energy levels throughout the evening.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this beef rice casserole into a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. Moreover, these modifications accommodate various dietary needs while maintaining the dish’s satisfying nature.

Protein Swaps:

Use 93/7 lean ground beef to reduce fat by 30%
Try ground turkey breast for 25% fewer calories
Substitute lentils for vegetarian option

Grain Alternatives:

Brown rice adds 3g more fiber per serving
Cauliflower rice reduces carbohydrates by 75%
Wild rice mixture provides nutty flavor and extra nutrients

Cheese Modifications:

Reduced-fat cheddar cuts calories by 80 per serving
Greek yogurt mixed with cheese creates creaminess with added protein
Nutritional yeast offers dairy-free cheese flavor

Serving Suggestions

This creamy rice casserole pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp accompaniments that balance its richness. Additionally, these serving ideas help create complete, satisfying meals for any occasion.

Side Dish Pairings:

Mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette cuts through richness
Steamed broccoli adds color and vitamins
Garlic bread provides textural contrast
Roasted vegetables bring earthy flavors

Presentation Ideas:

Serve in individual ramekins for elegant dinner parties
Top with sliced avocado for creamy contrast
Garnish with crispy fried onions for crunch
Add hot sauce on the side for heat lovers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Several pitfalls can affect this oven skillet bake, but awareness prevents most issues. Therefore, following these guidelines produces consistent, delicious results every time.

Rice Problems:

Never rinse rice before cooking, as starch helps bind ingredients
Avoid lifting foil during first 35 minutes, which releases essential steam
Don’t use instant rice, which becomes mushy in this application

Beef Issues:

Drain excess fat properly to prevent greasy results
Brown meat completely before adding liquids for better flavor
Season beef mixture adequately during cooking stage

Assembly Errors:

Spread mixture evenly in dish for uniform cooking
Check liquid levels before baking, adding broth if needed
Cover tightly with foil to prevent moisture loss

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Proper storage extends the life of this ground beef and rice bake while maintaining quality and safety. Additionally, these techniques support meal prep strategies for busy households.

Refrigerator Storage:

Cool completely before refrigerating (within 2 hours of cooking)
Store covered for up to 4 days in airtight containers
Reheat individual portions in microwave for 90 seconds

Freezer Options:

Freeze assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 3 months
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil
Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking

Reheating Methods:

Oven: 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through
Microwave: Individual portions for 1-2 minutes
Stovetop: Add splash of broth and heat in covered pan

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Cheddar Rice Bake proves that simple ingredients create extraordinary meals when combined thoughtfully. Moreover, its versatility accommodates different tastes and dietary needs while remaining budget-friendly and family-approved. The combination of protein, grains, and vegetables in one dish makes weeknight dinner planning effortless.

Try this hearty family rice bake tonight and discover why it’s become a household favorite. Share your results in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag us on social media with your creative variations. Your family will thank you for this delicious addition to your recipe collection.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the beef rice casserole completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to cooking time if baking directly from cold.

What if my rice seems undercooked after baking?
Add ¼ cup warm broth, cover with foil, and return to oven for 10-15 minutes. The rice will absorb additional liquid and finish cooking properly.

Can I double this recipe for larger crowds?
Absolutely! Use a large roasting pan and increase baking time by 15-20 minutes. Check that rice is tender and liquid is absorbed before removing from oven.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Add cheese during the final 10 minutes of baking only. If browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil while cheese finishes melting.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this comfort food rice dish is naturally gluten-free when made with certified gluten-free beef broth and seasonings. Always check labels to confirm.

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