Beef And Rice Bake
A hearty baked dish combining ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain off excess fat.
- Combine the cooked beef with dry onion soup mix, uncooked rice, boiling water, and tomatoes in a bowl.
- Transfer the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Uncover the casserole and sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, sauté some chopped onions and garlic with the ground beef before combining with the other ingredients. You can substitute long-grain rice with brown rice, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice typically takes longer to cook. For a twist, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the mix, making this dish a true One Dish Supper Treat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Beef and Rice Bake with a side salad for a fresh contrast. It pairs nicely with crusty bread or steamed vegetables, giving a balanced meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside Easy Homemade Vegetable Soup for a filling dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot. You can also freeze the dish before baking for a quick meal later on.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef And Rice Bake contains roughly 586 calories, with 28g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 975mg per serving (42% 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 a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. The cooking time remains the same, but be sure to adjust any seasonings to match the flavor profile of the meat you choose.
What can I do if I don't have dry onion soup mix?
If you don't have dry onion soup mix, you can create a substitute by combining onion powder, garlic powder, and beef bouillon granules. About 1 tablespoon of each should give you a similar flavor profile for this dish.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils or a meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add your favorite vegetables to enhance the dish’s texture and flavor.
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).