Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the beef:
- In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Season the beef:
- Add the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well to coat the beef with the spices.
- Combine the casserole mixture:
- Add the uncooked rice, beef broth (or water), cream of mushroom soup, drained diced tomatoes, and frozen vegetables to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Transfer the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Add cheese:
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the foil and sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole!
Tips:
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you prefer.
- Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to the casserole for more flavor and nutrition.
- For an extra cheesy top, use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella!
This dish is warm, cheesy, and full of flavor—perfect for cozy nights or a hearty weeknight meal!