Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Here’s a comforting recipe for Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole:Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you prefer)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add Aromatics and Vegetables:
   • Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add Rice and Broth:
   • Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   • Transfer the beef and rice mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Cover and Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Add Cheese:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and uncover it.
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Return to Oven:
   • Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve:
   • Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the casserole from the oven.
   • Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

This cheesy beef and rice casserole makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs, spices, or additional vegetables!