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- 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed thoroughly - 1 cup smoked cheddar cheese, freshly shredded - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced into small pieces - 3 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano In this casserole, each ingredient plays a key role. The ground beef gives a hearty base. Long-grain white rice absorbs the flavors well. It also makes the dish filling. Smoked cheddar cheese adds a unique twist. It brings a rich, smoky taste that blends beautifully. Aromatics like onion, garlic, and bell pepper add depth. They bring sweetness and a nice aroma. When you sauté them, they become tender and flavorful. This step is crucial for crafting a tasty dish. The seasonings also matter. Beef broth gives moisture and flavor. Smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky note. Dried oregano brings a hint of earthiness. Together, they enhance the overall taste. These ingredients come together for a comforting meal. Each bite will leave you wanting more. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key. It gets the oven ready for baking. 2. Next, grab a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish. Pour in 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. 3. Warm the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 small diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper. 4. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes. You want them tender and smelling great. 1. Now, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. 2. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spatula. It should be browned with no pink spots left. 3. Drain any excess fat from the pan. This keeps your casserole from being greasy. 4. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir well to mix the flavors. 5. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to your taste. This step boosts the dish’s flavor. 1. Add 1 cup of rinsed long-grain white rice and 1 can of drained diced tomatoes to the beef. 2. Stir everything together gently. You want the rice and tomatoes mixed well with the beef. 3. Slowly pour in 3 cups of beef broth. Make sure everything is well combined. 4. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded smoked cheddar cheese on top. 1. Cover the skillet or casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil. 2. Carefully place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check if the rice is tender and liquid mostly absorbed. 3. When it's done, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. 4. Using a fork, fluff the casserole gently. This mixes the layers nicely. 5. If you like, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your Smoked Cheddar Beef & Rice Casserole! - Choosing the right rice: I always use long-grain white rice for a fluffy texture. It cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well. If you prefer, jasmine rice also works great. - Adjusting liquid for preferences: You may want more or less liquid based on your taste. If you like a creamier casserole, add a bit more broth. For a drier texture, reduce the liquid slightly. - Additional seasonings to try: You can enhance the flavor with a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. A dash of garlic powder can also add depth. - Suggestions for garnishing: Fresh cilantro or parsley makes a lovely topping. A sprinkle of green onions adds a nice crunch too. - Adjusting for different ovens: Every oven is unique. If yours runs hot, check the casserole a few minutes early. It should be bubbly and golden on top. - Ensuring even cooking: Stir the casserole halfway through baking. This helps distribute heat and ensures the rice cooks evenly. Pro Tips Choose Your Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, like gouda or pepper jack, to give the casserole a unique flavor twist. Rice Rinsing: Always rinse your rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the casserole from becoming sticky. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, for added nutrition and flavor. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese in this dish. Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for a twist. Each cheese gives the casserole its unique taste. If you want a vegetarian version, swap ground beef for lentils, beans, or mushrooms. This keeps the dish hearty and full of flavor. To spice things up, add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or jalapeños. These will give your casserole a nice kick. You can also mix in different vegetables like zucchini, corn, or spinach. They add nutrition and color, making your meal even better. This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or crusty bread. You can also serve it with some sour cream or avocado slices for a creamy touch. For a fun twist, top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips or a sprinkle of green onions. This adds crunch and extra flavor to each bite. To keep your smoked cheddar beef and rice casserole fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration tips: Place leftover casserole in an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Always cool it down before sealing the container. - Freezing instructions: For longer storage, freeze the casserole. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. When it's time to enjoy your casserole again, here are the best ways to reheat it: - Best methods for reheating: The oven method works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until hot. You can also use the microwave. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. - Ensuring quality after storage: Adding a little broth can help keep it moist while reheating. Check the texture and taste before serving. If needed, you can sprinkle fresh cheese on top while reheating for extra flavor. How to make the casserole ahead of time? You can prepare the casserole a day before. Follow the recipe, but don’t bake it yet. After mixing the ingredients, cover the dish and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. It might need a few extra minutes to cook. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, you can use brown rice. Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook. You should also add more broth to help it cook through. A good rule is to add 1/2 cup more broth and increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes. What if I don’t have smoked paprika? If you lack smoked paprika, use regular paprika. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of smokiness. You can also try a mix of regular paprika and a dash of liquid smoke for extra flavor. Can I substitute ground turkey for beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great swap. It will make the dish lighter. You can cook it just like the beef. The flavors from the cheese and spices will still shine through. How to make it gluten-free? This casserole is simple to make gluten-free. Use gluten-free broth and check that your smoked cheddar is gluten-free. The rice is naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set! Dairy-free alternatives for the cheese? For a dairy-free option, try using vegan cheese. Look for a brand that melts well. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor if you want to skip the cheese entirely. This blog post shared how to make a tasty casserole. We covered essential ingredients, like beef and cheese. Preparing the dish involved sautéing vegetables and cooking beef. I also provided tips for perfect texture and flavor. You can swap ingredients and adjust cooking times to suit your taste. Store leftovers correctly and reheat to enjoy later. With these steps, you can create a delicious meal for friends and family. Enjoy experimenting with the recipe and making it your own!

Smoked Cheddar Beef & Rice Casserole

A hearty casserole featuring ground beef, rice, and smoked cheddar cheese, baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed thoroughly
  • 3 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 1 cup smoked cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced into small pieces
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained of excess liquid
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • optional fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  • In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they become tender and aromatic.
  • Integrate the minced garlic and ground beef into the skillet. Cook the mixture, breaking the beef into small pieces with a spatula, until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
  • Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and dried oregano, stirring well to coat the beef and vegetables. Season the mixture with salt and freshly cracked pepper to your taste.
  • Add the rinsed rice and drained diced tomatoes to the beef mixture, stirring gently until combined. Slowly pour the beef broth over the combined ingredients, ensuring everything is well mixed.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, evenly sprinkle the shredded smoked cheddar cheese over the top, allowing it to create a melty layer while baking.
  • Cover the skillet or casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil, then carefully transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been mostly absorbed.
  • Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for about 5 minutes to set. Using a fork, fluff the casserole gently to mix the layers, then garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve hot with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.
Keyword beef, casserole, cheddar, rice