Description
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish made with ground beef, rice, vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners and is easy to customize with pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chopped onion and bell peppers; cook until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in uncooked rice, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Add frozen peas and carrots; cook for 5 more minutes.
- Off heat, mix in half of the shredded cheese.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let sit a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa for more fiber.
- Try different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce for more heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
