Cheesy Rice-Beef Bake
A hearty and cheesy baked rice and beef casserole with vegetables and herbs, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet, drain, and set aside.
- Brown uncooked rice in butter in a large skillet.
- Stir in water, shredded carrots or corn, beef bouillon, parsley, dried onion, salt, and basil.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the browned beef.
- Transfer the mixture to a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Cover and bake at 325°F for 45 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded American cheese on top and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of shredded vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, along with the carrots or corn. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the water with chicken or vegetable broth. For a touch of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños. This dish can also be easily adapted to fit into your favorite beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheesy Rice-Beef Bake with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic bread. For a complete dinner, you might also consider serving it alongside a bowl of Dad'S Door County Chili for a comforting, hearty experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat until heated through. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Rice-Beef Bake contains roughly 253 calories, with 9g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), iron (20% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2255mg per serving (98% 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 long grain rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts. Brown rice typically requires more water and a longer cooking time, so be sure to follow the package instructions for best results.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish and assemble it in the casserole dish, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the refrigerator.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While American cheese gives a creamy texture, you can substitute it with cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat. Each cheese will bring its own flavor profile to the dish, so feel free to experiment!
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).