Cheddar Beef Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef preferably lean and halal
- 1 cup white rice uncooked
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs optional, for extra crunch
- Substitution Tips: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option. Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Brown the Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook chopped onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Mix the Base
- In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, cooked beef mixture, beef broth, sour cream, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Add the Topping
- Remove from oven, uncover, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add breadcrumbs if using for a crunchy finish.
Bake Until Golden
- Return to oven uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
Let it Rest
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: It helps everything firm up and makes serving easier.
- Rice Cooking Tip: Make sure the foil is sealed tightly so the rice cooks properly in the steam.
- Add Veggies: Stir in peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce to the mix.