Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that combines the bold flavors of Asian cuisine with the comfort of a hearty casserole? Look no further! This Asian Beef and Rice Casserole is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. Packed with tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce that'll make your taste buds dance, this recipe is the perfect blend of convenience and culinary excitement.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains.
- Drain excess fat from the beef and return the skillet to the stovetop.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the beef, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, which will enhance the Asian-inspired flavor profile.
- Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing thoroughly to coat the beef with the seasonings.
- Add shredded carrots and broccoli florets to the skillet, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Layer the cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the beef and vegetable mixture over the rice, ensuring even distribution.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove foil during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to allow slight browning on top.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly minced ginger and garlic instead of pre-packaged versions. The difference in taste is remarkable!
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Don't overcook the vegetables - you want them to retain some crispness and nutritional value.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
- To add extra depth, consider using day-old rice that's been refrigerated, as it will hold its texture better during baking.
- For a spicier kick, add a tablespoon of sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Let the casserole rest for exactly 5 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set slightly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 75mg
