Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake

Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake: Easy 1-Pan Dinner

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Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake: Easy 1-Pan Dinner

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Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight meal: the delightful Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake: Easy 1-Pan Dinner! This recipe brings together savory ground beef, tender rice, and a generous blanket of melted cheese into one glorious dish. It’s the ultimate comfort food solution for busy evenings, promising a delicious outcome with minimal cleanup.

1. Introduction to Your Easy One-Pan Dinner

Life can be hectic, but dinner doesn’t have to be a struggle. We’re thrilled to share this incredible one-pan dinner that simplifies your cooking process without sacrificing flavor. Imagine a hearty meal that comes together quickly, satisfying everyone at the table with its rich taste and satisfying texture.

This Read our in-depth guide here. on easy meals. Our Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake: Easy 1-Pan Dinner is designed for home cooks who crave comforting food but need practical, efficient recipes. It’s perfect for feeding a family or preparing delicious leftovers for lunch the next day.

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

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this particular recipe. First and foremost, it’s a true one-pan dinner, meaning less mess and less time spent on washing dishes. Who doesn’t appreciate that after a long day?

Secondly, the combination of flavors is simply irresistible. The seasoned ground beef pairs perfectly with the fluffy rice, all bound together by gooey, melted cheese. It’s a versatile and satisfying beef and rice casserole that quickly becomes a family favorite. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, utilizing common pantry staples.

3. Gather Your Simple Ingredients

You’ll be amazed at how few ingredients are needed to create such a spectacular meal. Most of these are likely already in your kitchen! Make sure to have everything prepped before you start for a smooth cooking experience.

  • 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
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (such as Basmati or Jasmine)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-jack blend)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

4. Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to create your delicious Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake: Easy 1-Pan Dinner. You’ll be enjoying a hearty meal in no time!

4.1. Prep & Brown the Beef

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron or a similar heavy-bottomed skillet) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4.2. Combine & Simmer

  1. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked rice, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4.3. Bake to Perfection

  1. Remove the skillet from the heat. Uncover and give it a final stir.
  2. Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the remaining liquid.

4.4. Add Cheese & Finish

  1. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the beef and rice mixture.
  2. Return the skillet to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  3. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

5. Expert Tips for the Perfect Bake

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your ground beef bake is easy with a few tricks. Don’t skip draining the beef; this prevents a greasy final product. Also, resist the urge to peek too often while the rice is simmering and baking, as this releases steam essential for even cooking.

For extra flavor, consider toasting your rice lightly in a dry skillet before adding it to the mixture. This can enhance its nutty notes, as explained in general cooking techniques found on sites like The Spruce Eats. Always taste and adjust seasoning before the final bake for a truly customized dish.

6. Delicious Variations & Add-Ins

This adaptable recipe for a Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake is perfect for customization. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses; Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack would be fantastic. For a healthier twist, mix in some frozen vegetables like corn, peas, or diced carrots during the simmering stage.

Spice it up by adding a pinch of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce. You could also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Get creative and make this easy weeknight meal your own!

7. Serving Suggestions & Storage

This hearty beef and rice casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up all the delicious sauce. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can also add a nice finishing touch.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven. For longer storage, this ground beef bake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can! Keep in mind that brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. You might need to increase the beef broth by about 1/2 to 1 cup and extend the simmering and baking times until the rice is tender. Adjust as needed.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No problem! After the simmering stage on the stovetop, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake as directed. Then, uncover, add the cheese, and return to the oven until melted and bubbly.

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

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of adding the cheese. Let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the cheese and bake, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

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