Are you craving a mouthwatering, one-dish wonder that combines hearty beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese into a single, irresistible meal? Look no further! This Baked Beef and Rice recipe is about to become your new family favorite, promising to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your dish cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the pound of ground beef. Cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
- Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the beef and onion mixture.
- Pour in the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice) into the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam inside while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook and absorb the flavors from the beef broth and tomatoes.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Stir the mixture gently to ensure even cooking.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef and rice mixture.
- Return the dish to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your delicious baked beef and rice!
Tips
- Choose the right ground beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture balance.
- Rice matters: Use long-grain white rice for the most consistent texture. Avoid instant rice, as it can become mushy.
- Drain excess fat thoroughly after browning the beef to prevent a greasy final dish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the beef mixture.
- Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil during initial baking to trap steam and ensure the rice cooks evenly.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
- For a healthier version, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey and use low-fat cheese.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep - it reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 341kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
