Name: Cheesy Beef & Rice Bake : Easy Comfort Casserole Dinner
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or 90/10); 1 medium onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked, not instant); 2 cups beef broth; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce or diced tomatoes; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix)

Description

Cheesy Beef & Rice Bake (One-Pan Dinner)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked, not instant)
2 cups beef broth
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix)

Instructions

- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion; cook until beef is browned. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the base: Stir in uncooked rice and toast for 30 seconds. Add beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Bake: Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Add cheese: Remove foil, sprinkle cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Rest & serve: Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Drain excess grease after browning if using higher-fat beef.
Keep foil tightly sealed so the rice cooks properly.
Shred cheese from a block for the creamiest melt.