Quick Description
A rich, comforting casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, veggies, and melty cheese. It’s easy, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep or family dinners.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: ~50–55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Beef Layer
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Casserole
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup bell peppers, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook Beef
- In a pan, cook ground beef with onion and garlic
- Add salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning
- Cook until browned
- Drain excess grease
3. Mix Filling
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, and bell peppers to beef
- Stir and let simmer for 3–5 minutes
4. Assemble
- Spread cooked rice evenly in baking dish
- Add beef mixture on top
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly
5. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes until:
- Cheese is melted and bubbly
- Edges are slightly golden
6. Finish
- Garnish with fresh parsley (optional)
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving
Additional Notes
- Use leftover rice to save time
- Add more cheese if you want extra gooey texture
- Perfect freezer meal
Variations
- High Protein: Add extra beef or cottage cheese
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or chili flakes
- Low Carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice
Storage
- Fridge: 3–4 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
- Reheat: Oven or microwave
