Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup frozen corn or peas (optional)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. Use cooking spray or butter to grease the dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. If needed, add olive oil to prevent sticking. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the diced onion, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Season with smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine Casserole Ingredients:
- Stir the uncooked rice into the beef mixture.
- Add the beef broth, canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), and frozen vegetables (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the beef and rice mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
- Cover tightly with foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Check the rice for tenderness by tasting a few grains.
- Add the Cheddar Crust:
- In a small bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake and Serve:
- Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to set.
Notes
- Drain excess grease from ground beef.
- Ensure rice is cooked before adding cheese topping.
- Sprinkle cheese topping evenly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American