Layered Beef & Rice Casserole
Welcome to our delicious recipe for Layered Beef & Rice Casserole. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. With layers of tender beef, flavorful rice, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Let’s dive into the details on how to make this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make Layered Beef & Rice Casserole:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup long-grain white rice
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Steps
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make Layered Beef & Rice Casserole:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the rice, beef broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Transfer half of the rice mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
7. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the rice layer.
8. Add the remaining rice mixture on top, followed by the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove the foil and let the casserole bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a golden crust on top.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Variations
There are many ways to customize this Layered Beef & Rice Casserole to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
– Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
– Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet along with the onion and garlic for extra flavor and texture.
– Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, to create a unique twist.
– For a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the rice mixture.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Layered Beef & Rice Casserole turns out perfectly:
– Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and flavor.
– Feel free to substitute the beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth if desired.
– Make sure to cover the casserole with foil during the initial baking time to prevent the cheese from burning.
– Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to make it easier to cut into neat portions.
Conclusion
Layered Beef & Rice Casserole is a classic and comforting dish that brings together the flavors of beef, rice, and cheese in a delightful way. It’s easy to make and full of deliciousness. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this casserole is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly when you’re ready to cook it.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of Layered Beef & Rice Casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it in the oven until heated through.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice in this recipe. However, keep in mind that brown rice generally takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and add a bit more liquid.
Layered Beef & Rice Casserole
A hearty and comforting dish featuring layers of tender beef, flavorful rice, and a creamy sauce, baked to perfection with melted cheddar cheese on top.
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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1 onion, diced
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2 cloves of garlic, minced
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1 cup long-grain white rice
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2 cups beef broth
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1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
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Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until onion is translucent.
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Stir in rice, beef broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 15 minutes until rice is cooked and most liquid is absorbed.
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Transfer half of the rice mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
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Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the rice layer.
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Add the remaining rice mixture on top followed by the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese.
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Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes for a golden crust on top.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
