Ground Meat and Rice Casserole
Ground meat and rice casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a hearty family dinner. It combines the flavors of ground meat, rice, and a variety of vegetables, making it a balanced and satisfying meal. This easy-to-make casserole is a crowd-pleaser and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey)
– 1 cup white rice
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 carrot, peeled and diced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and carrot until they begin to soften.
4. Add the cooked ground meat back into the skillet and mix well with the vegetables.
5. Stir in the white rice, frozen peas, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together.
6. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
8. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it evenly.
9. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the casserole.
10. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
This ground meat and rice casserole recipe serves approximately 4-6 people, depending on the portion size. The estimated cooking time is around 1 hour, including preparation and baking. Enjoy this delicious and comforting dish with your loved ones!