Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake: 7 Easy Steps to Best Dinner

Table of Contents

• 1. Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food
• 2. Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake
• 3. Ingredients You’ll Need
• 4. Step-by-Step Instructions
  • 4.1. Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
  • 4.2. Step 2: Cook the Rice
  • 4.3. Step 3: Combine Ingredients
  • 4.4. Step 4: Add Cheese
  • 4.5. Step 5: Bake to Perfection
• 5. Tips and Variations for the Best Bake
• 6. Serving Suggestions and Sides
• 7. Storing Leftovers
• 8. FAQ

Welcome to the ultimate weeknight dinner solution! This recipe for a **Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake: 7 Easy Steps to Best Dinner** is a true crowd-pleaser that combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and plenty of gooey cheese into one irresistible casserole. Perfect for busy evenings, this comforting dish comes together with minimal fuss, promising a delicious meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, hearty casserole straight from the oven. This **Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake** embodies everything we love about comfort food – it’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly fulfilling. It’s a complete meal in one dish, making cleanup a breeze and ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or simply craving a taste of home, this easy dinner recipe delivers every time. It’s a staple for many households because of its simplicity and universal appeal. Plus, who can resist melted cheese?

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake

This isn’t just another dinner; it’s a go-to for so many reasons! Here’s why this ground beef recipe will become a permanent fixture in your meal rotation:

• **Effortless Preparation:** With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• **Quick to Make:** From prep to plate, you can have this delicious rice bake ready in under an hour.
• **Budget-Friendly:** Made with common pantry staples, it’s an economical meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
• **Customizable:** Easily adapt it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings to suit your family’s taste.
• **Family Favorite:** Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this cheesy casserole!

It’s truly a standout **easy dinner** option that saves you time without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful ground beef and rice casserole. You’ll likely have most of these on hand already!

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups cooked white rice (prepared according to package directions)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-jack blend), divided
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your amazing Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake. Get ready for a delicious aroma to fill your kitchen!

1. Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

   For tips on achieving perfectly browned ground beef, check out this guide.

2. Step 2: Cook the Rice

   If you haven’t already, cook your white rice according to package directions. You’ll need 2 cups of *cooked* rice for this recipe. You can prepare this while the beef is browning to save time.

3. Step 3: Combine Ingredients

   To the skillet with the beef and onions, add the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir in the cooked rice.

4. Step 4: Add Cheese

   Transfer half of the ground beef and rice mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Top with the remaining beef and rice mixture, spreading evenly.

5. Step 5: Bake to Perfection

   Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips and Variations for the Best Bake

Making this **Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake** is already simple, but here are some ideas to make it even better or to customize it to your liking:

• **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a bit of heat.
• **Add Veggies:** Stir in some frozen peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers along with the diced tomatoes.
• **Different Cheese:** Experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend for varying flavors.
• **Herb Power:** Fresh basil or oregano can be added at the end for a brighter, fresher taste.
• **Make Ahead:** Assemble the casserole (without baking) up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
• **Brown Rice Option:** For a healthier twist, use cooked brown rice instead of white. The cooking time for brown rice will be longer.

This dish is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic weeknight meal!

Serving Suggestions and Sides

This hearty **beef and rice casserole** is practically a meal on its own, but pairing it with a simple side can elevate your dinner experience.

Here are some great options:

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Steamed broccoli or green beans.
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls for scooping up every last bit.
• A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a Tex-Mex twist.

However you choose to serve it, this **cheesy casserole** is sure to be a hit.

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about this **Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake** is how well it keeps!

To store:

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transferring it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat:

• For individual servings, microwave until heated through.
• For larger portions, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, usually 15-20 minutes, covering loosely with foil if the cheese starts to brown too much.

For more delicious recipe ideas and cooking tips, you can Read our in-depth guide here.

FAQ

Can I prepare the Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole (steps 1-4) without baking it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time, or until heated through and bubbly.

What kind of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice like jasmine or basmati works wonderfully, as it maintains its texture well. However, you can use any cooked white rice you prefer. For a healthier option, cooked brown rice can also be used, though it might change the texture slightly.

Can I freeze this Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, you can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.