Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

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### **Instructions:**

#### 1. **Cook the Ground Beef**
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. When the beef is browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes), drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

#### 2. **Sauté the Vegetables**
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are softened and fragrant.

#### 3. **Combine the Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, sautéed vegetables, uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed. The rice will cook as it bakes in the casserole, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

#### 4. **Assemble the Casserole**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter, then transfer the beef and rice mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

#### 5. **Bake the Casserole**
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. The rice will cook and absorb all the flavors from the beef, tomatoes, and broth.

#### 6. **Add the Cheese**
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

#### 7. **Serve and Enjoy**
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions if desired.

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### **Why This Casserole Is So Great**

1. **One-Dish Meal**: This casserole combines protein (ground beef), carbs (rice), and vegetables (onions, peppers, tomatoes) all in one dish. There’s no need for additional sides, making it perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to worry about multiple components for dinner.

2. **Cheesy Goodness**: Who doesn’t love cheese? The melted cheddar on top adds that ooey-gooey texture that makes this casserole extra delicious and comforting.

3. **Versatile**: You can easily customize this dish based on your preferences. Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian protein like lentils or tofu. You can also play around with different types of cheese (like Monterey Jack or mozzarella) or add in some extra veggies, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

4. **Make Ahead and Leftovers**: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a couple of days, and the casserole can also be frozen for longer storage.

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### **Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole**

– **Brown the Beef Well**: Make sure to cook the ground beef thoroughly and brown it well before adding it to the casserole. This adds extra flavor and prevents the beef from becoming greasy.

– **Use a Variety of Cheeses**: Experiment with different cheeses to create a flavor combination you love. A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella creates a nice balance of sharpness and meltiness.

– **Add More Veggies**: You can sneak in more vegetables like spinach, corn, or peas to add more nutrients and color to the dish. The casserole can be a great way to get picky eaters to eat more veggies!

– **Make it Spicy**: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a chopped jalapeño, some chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. You can also top it with some salsa for extra flavor before serving.

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### **Conclusion:**

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the perfect combination of hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this one-pot meal is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a dish to feed a crowd, this casserole will satisfy and keep everyone coming back for more.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy a warm, cheesy, comforting meal tonight!