Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
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Ingredients
For the beef layer
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp oil
For the creamy rice layer
- 2 cups cooked rice (about 350–400 g cooked)
- 200 ml heavy cream OR sour cream
- 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
- ½ cup cheddar, shredded
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
For topping
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella + cheddar mix)
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Instructions
1. Cook the beef
- Heat oil in a pan.
- Add onions → cook until soft.
- Add garlic → 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and brown it.
- Add paprika, oregano, salt, pepper.
- Stir in tomato paste + beef broth.
- Simmer 5–7 minutes until thick and saucy.
2. Prepare the creamy rice
In a bowl, mix:
- cooked rice
- heavy cream or sour cream
- mozzarella
- cheddar
- salt + pepper
Mix until creamy and well combined.
3. Assemble the casserole
- Preheat oven to 190°C / 375°F.
- Grease a baking dish.
- Spread the ground beef layer on the bottom.
- Add the creamy rice mixture on top.
- Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
4. Bake
Bake 20–25 minutes, or until:
✓ cheese is golden
✓ top is bubbly
✓ center is hot and creamy
✨ Tips for Extra Deliciousness
- Add 1 tbsp Worcestershire to the meat for deeper flavor.
- Add chili flakes if you want a spicy kick.
- Use jasmine rice for extra creaminess.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting.