Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 1/2 cups beef broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup cream cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic for 3–4 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
6. Add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until fully melted into a thick, gooey sauce.
7. Fold the cooked ground beef into the mixture. Transfer everything to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden on top.
9. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Servings:6