Few things compare to the comforting scent of a casserole baking in the oven. Growing up, beef and rice casserole was a staple in our household, especially on chilly evenings. It combines hearty ingredients into a warm, satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, delicious, and filling dinner that can easily feed a family or provide leftovers for the week.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick: Minimal prep time makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Combines protein, carbs, and veggies in a single dish.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients.
- Versatile: You can easily tweak it to match different preferences or dietary needs.
- A family favourite enjoyed by both kids and adults.
Nutrition Information:
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6th of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Swap in ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter version.
- Rice: Use brown rice as a healthier option or quinoa as an added protein.
- Cream of Mushroom and Celery Soups: Substitute with cream of chicken or homemade white sauce if preferred.
- Cheddar Cheese: Swap with mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese for dietary restrictions.
How to Make Beef and Rice Casserole (Step-by-Step)
- Prep the Ingredients: Chop your onions and bell peppers. Measure out all ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onions and peppers until tender. This step enhances the flavour of the casserole.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Ensure it’s well browned for maximum flavour.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in uncooked rice, soups, and beef broth. This mixture should be well combined for even cooking.
- Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake. This allows the rice to cook and absorb all the flavours.
- Cheese It Up: Uncover, add cheese, and bake until melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest before serving to allow it to set and make slicing easier.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onion and bell pepper provide the best flavour.
- Don’t Overcook: Be mindful of the baking time to prevent the casserole from drying out.
- Resting Time: Let the casserole rest before serving to allow the rice to absorb any excess liquid.
- Cheese Layer: Adding cheese in the last few minutes ensures a perfectly melted and golden topping.
Variations and Customizations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with a meat substitute or extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your soups are gluten-free or make your own to suit dietary needs.
- Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and soups to control salt intake.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: For convenience, heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- For a balanced meal, consider pairing it with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
- Add a slice of crusty bread to soak up any delicious juices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely! Freeze it before baking or after it’s cooked. For best results, thaw the item in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it thoroughly.
Q: Can I use instant rice?
A: Instant rice can be used, but reduce the liquid slightly and adjust cooking time accordingly.
Related Recipes
- Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole: A vegetarian favourite with a cheesy twist.
- Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole: Another hearty and comforting dish.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Packed with ground beef and rice and topped with cheese.
Conclusion
Beef and rice casserole is a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences. Try this recipe today and enjoy a hearty meal that will become a family favourite.
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Beef and Rice Casserole
A classic comfort dish with ground beef, fluffy rice, and a medley of flavorful seasonings.
Ingredients
- 1 po ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, sauté until soft.Add ground beef to the skillet, cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.Stir in the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, and beef broth. Mix until well combined.Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.Remove the foil, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the beef mixture.
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