Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Looking for a delicious and hearty meal that your whole family will love? This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort food dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
• Stir in the rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
• Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Information:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 25g

Popular questions:

• Can I use ground chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for ground beef in this recipe.

• Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain white rice?

Instant rice can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly.

• Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cheddar cheese?

You can use dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast as a substitute for cheddar cheese.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

• Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

You can add vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers to add more nutrients and flavor.

Helpful tips:

• For extra flavor, add some chopped onions and bell peppers to the ground beef while cooking.
• Substitute the beef broth with chicken broth for a different flavor profile.
• Top the casserole with crispy bacon pieces for an added crunch.
• Sprinkle some paprika on top of the cheese for a pop of color and smokiness.
• For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapenos to the mixture before baking.

Expert Secrets:

• To ensure the rice cooks evenly, mix it well with the other ingredients before baking.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef for an extra depth of flavor.
• Use a combination of different cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for a more complex cheesy topping.
• For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef.