Cheesy Rice and Ground Beef Bake

A Cheesy Rice and Ground Beef Bake is a comforting, hearty dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With a combination of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese, it’s a great one-pan meal for dinner. Here’s how to make it:

Cheesy Rice and Ground Beef Bake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth (or water)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional, but adds nice texture and flavor)
• 1 tbsp chili powder (or to taste)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

   Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook until the onion softens, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute to toast the spices.

3. Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, and beef broth (or water). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb some of the liquid. You don’t need to cook it fully yet, just let it start to soften.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Check the rice halfway through to ensure it’s not too dry. If needed, add a splash more broth or water to keep it moist.
6. Add Cheese and Bake Again: Once the rice is cooked, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Optional Creaminess: If you prefer a creamy version, you can stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream into the rice mixture before baking, or dollop it on top just before serving.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot.

This Cheesy Rice and Ground Beef Bake is a family-friendly dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, beans, or even switching up the cheese! Enjoy!