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Cozy One-Pot Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Easy Cheddar Crust Recipe

one-pot ground beef and rice casserole - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot casserole combining ground beef, rice, and a crispy cheddar crust, perfect for cozy dinners and last-minute meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in rinsed rice, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the rice with beef and aromatics.
  5. Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, then cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid or foil.
  6. Let simmer gently for about 20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Remove lid and check rice; if still wet, cook uncovered for a few more minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork.
  8. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar evenly over the casserole. Slide skillet into the preheated oven.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and forms a golden, crispy crust.
  10. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Rinse rice before cooking to prevent clumping. Do not lift lid while simmering to ensure even rice cooking. Drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid greasiness. Use sharp cheddar cheese for best melting and crust formation. Tent with foil if cheese browns too fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy rice casserole, easy dinner, quick meal, comfort food