Baked Beef And Rice Marinara
A hearty baked dish combining seasoned ground beef, rice, vegetables, and tomato sauce, topped with melted American cheese—perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced green pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon ground oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3 slices American cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook beef, mushrooms, onions, celery, and green peppers over medium-high heat in a large skillet until the meat is no longer pink and vegetables are crispy tender, stirring frequently.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ground oregano, salt, basil, and garlic powder.
- Mix cooked rice into the beef and vegetable mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with slices of American cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini. If you want a bit of heat, try incorporating red pepper flakes. You can substitute the American cheese with mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile. Using leftover rice from other meals can save time, making this a great way to repurpose ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This baked beef and rice marinara pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley or basil on top before serving. This dish also works well alongside steamed vegetables or a simple green bean side for a balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply cover the dish with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Beef And Rice Marinara contains roughly 343 calories, with 16g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (102% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), and calcium (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2558mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option. Just make sure to cook the brown rice beforehand, as it takes longer to cook than white rice. The nutty flavor of brown rice adds a nice texture to the dish.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider using lentils or a meat substitute like quinoa or a plant-based ground meat product. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to enhance the flavor.
How can I make this dish spicy?
To add some heat, you can include diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the beef and vegetables. Alternatively, drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish before serving for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).