Have you ever stumbled upon a recipe so tantalizing that it becomes an instant family favorite? Look no further than this Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Dubbed by my husband as “too good to resist,” this dish has become a household sensation, and I’m thrilled to share this keeper of a recipe with you!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (divided)
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside for later use.
- Cooking Process:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown it.
- Stir in the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, stirring well to combine.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, tomato sauce, rice, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Reserve the remaining ½ cup cheese for later.
- Assembling the Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Baking: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. During this time, the liquid should be absorbed, and the rice will cook through.
- Garnishing and Serving:
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven. Garnish with parsley for a touch of freshness before serving.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole is not just a dish; it’s an experience. The irresistible combination of savory beef, colorful bell peppers, and melty Colby Jack cheese, all layered with perfectly cooked rice, creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply unforgettable.
As my husband humorously claimed, “never make this again” because he couldn’t resist devouring every last bite! But fear not, this recipe is indeed a keeper, a surefire way to bring smiles and seconds to the table.