Cheddar Beef Bake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Casserole Base

01 - 1 small onion, chopped up
02 - 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
03 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped up (optional)
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (use if necessary)
05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1 cup raw white or brown rice
10 - 1 cup canned chopped tomatoes, including their juice
11 - 2 cups beef or chicken broth
12 - 1 pound ground beef
13 - 1 cup frozen peas or corn (optional)

→ Cheesy Topping

14 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko)
15 - 1 tablespoon butter, melted
16 - 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded

# Instructions:

01 - Turn your oven on to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch dish with some grease.
02 - Warm up a big skillet over medium. Toss in the ground beef and cook while breaking it into pieces until browned. If it sticks, pour in some olive oil. Mix in onion, garlic, and bell pepper (if you like). Cook for 3–4 more minutes to soften. Stir in paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Add the uncooked rice to the cooked beef mix. Stir in the broth, tomatoes (with juices), and frozen veggies (if you’re using them). Let everything gently bubble.
04 - Move the mix from the skillet to your greased casserole dish. Cover it super tight with foil so it doesn’t dry out. Put it in the oven and bake for about 30–35 minutes, until the rice is nice and soft and the liquid’s gone.
05 - Combine the shredded cheddar, melted butter, and breadcrumbs in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mix evenly on top of your casserole.
06 - Pop the dish back into the oven, uncovered, for another 10–12 minutes. The cheese should melt beautifully, and the topping should be golden. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner choice.
02 - Love spice? Add a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne.
03 - Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
04 - If you go with brown rice, expect it to take longer—check its cooking time.

Back