Description
Mexican-inspired cheesy beef and rice bake delivers comforting layers of hearty flavors in one satisfying casserole. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and fluffy rice combine for a simple weeknight dinner that families will crave.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 cup cooked rice (long-grain white or brown)
- 2 onions, diced
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
- 8 oz (236 milliliters) tomato sauce
- 2 tsps garlic powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) for optimal cooking conditions.
- Meat Foundation: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, thoroughly brown ground beef with onions until meat is fully cooked and onions become translucent, then sprinkle garlic powder and stir briefly to enhance aromatic qualities.
- Flavor Enhancement: Drain excess fat, then season the beef mixture with oregano, salt, and pepper to build a robust taste profile, integrating tomato sauce, cooked rice, green peas, and chicken broth until ingredients are perfectly melded.
- Cheese Integration: Fold in shredded cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy, cohesive filling, then transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Initial Baking: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes to harmonize flavors, simultaneously preparing a luxurious topping by whisking sour cream with remaining cheese.
- Finishing Touch: Remove the casserole, spread the creamy cheese mixture across the top, and return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- Serving: Allow the casserole to rest briefly, enabling it to set and cool slightly before presenting this delectable dish.
Notes
- Drain Thoroughly: Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a cleaner, lighter texture.
- Layer Strategically: Distribute ingredients evenly for balanced flavor in every single bite, creating a harmonious blend of textures.
- Cheese Melting Tip: Allow cheese to melt slowly and naturally for maximum creaminess and smooth integration into the casserole.
- Resting Period: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to help ingredients settle and make cutting and serving easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 455
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg