Description
An elevated take on a comforting classic, this casserole features caramelized beef, tender rice, and a silky tomato-cheese sauce for a dish that is both homey and polished.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1 3/4 cups low-sodium beef broth, hot
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups (about 200 g) sharp cheddar, freshly shredded
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until caramelized, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Sauté the diced onion in the same skillet until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the hot beef broth, tomato soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce; stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Fold in the browned beef and thawed vegetables, adjust seasoning, and transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar and dot with cubed butter.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbling and edges are golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 8–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best results, use freshly shredded cheddar and allow the casserole to rest before serving for improved texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg