Description
Hearty cheesy beef and rice bake brings comfort straight from Mexican-inspired kitchens to dinner tables. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and fluffy rice combine in one skillet for a satisfying meal that promises warmth and flavor in each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Grains:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice (long-grain white or brown)
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
Vegetables and Liquids:
- 2 onions, diced
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces (236 milliliters) tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a gentle 250°F (120°C), ensuring an ideal cooking environment for the casserole.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high flame and thoroughly brown the ground beef with diced onions until meat is completely cooked and onions turn translucent.
- Sprinkle garlic powder into the skillet and stir for a brief moment to release aromatic flavors.
- Carefully drain any accumulated fat from the meat mixture to prevent excess greasiness.
- Season the beef blend with oregano, salt, and pepper, creating a robust flavor profile.
- Incorporate tomato sauce, cooked rice, green peas, and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring until ingredients are well combined.
- Fold in one cup of shredded cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy, cohesive filling.
- Grease a casserole dish and evenly distribute the prepared mixture across its surface.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- While baking, whisk sour cream with the remaining cheese in a separate bowl to create a luxurious topping.
- Remove the casserole and carefully spread the creamy cheese mixture across the top.
- Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the surface turns golden and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Cool down the casserole for 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese topping set and flavors meld together.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating best in the oven to maintain crispy cheese topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 455
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg