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When it comes to hearty, family-friendly meals, few dishes can compete with the savory goodness of a cheesy beef and rice casserole. This one-pan wonder not only delivers on flavor but also on convenience, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. Imagine a bubbling, cheesy casserole filled with tender beef, fluffy rice, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all coming together in one dish. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and practicality.

One-Pan Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this one-pan cheesy beef and rice casserole! Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty meal brings together ground beef or turkey, fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and gooey cheese all in one dish. Easy to customize to suit your pantry on hand, it's a crowd-pleaser that's as practical as it is delicious. Get ready to whip up a comforting and satisfying dinner that the entire family will love. Enjoy minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option)

1 cup long-grain white rice, thoroughly rinsed

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced into bite-sized pieces

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, including the juice

2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a milder flavor)

1 cup frozen corn (optional, for added sweetness and texture)

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)

Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it's ready for baking later.

    Brown the Meat: In a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, crumbling the meat with a spatula until it's nicely browned. Drain any excess fat.

      Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet, along with the minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

        Incorporate Rice and Seasonings: Mix in the rinsed rice, undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, frozen corn (if you're using it), chili powder, paprika, oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

          Simmer the Mixture: Bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, cover the skillet with a lid. Lower the heat and let it cook for 15 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the flavorful liquid.

            Add Cheese: After 15 minutes, carefully remove the lid. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.

              Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the rice is tender.

                Garnish and Serve: Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness before serving.

                  Enjoy your comforting, cheesy delight of One-Pan Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole!

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6