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## **Instructions**
### 1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)** to ensure it’s nice and hot when the casserole is ready to bake.
### 2. **Cook the Ground Beef:**
– Heat the **olive oil** in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the **diced onion** and cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
– Add the **ground beef** to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.
### 3. **Combine the Ingredients:**
– Once the beef is cooked, add the **diced tomatoes**, **beef broth**, **soy sauce**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, and a pinch of **salt** and **pepper**. Stir to combine.
– Add the **uncooked rice** to the mixture and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb some of the flavors from the beef and broth.
### 4. **Assemble the Casserole:**
– Transfer the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
– Sprinkle the **cheddar** and **mozzarella cheese** evenly over the top, covering the entire casserole.
### 5. **Bake:**
– Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for **25 minutes**. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another **10-15 minutes** until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the rice is fully cooked.
### 6. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
– Garnish with freshly chopped **parsley** or **green onions** for a pop of color and extra flavor.
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## **Serving Suggestions:**
– **Serve with a side salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
– **Roasted Vegetables:** Add a side of roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers to balance out the meal.
– **Garlic Bread:** Serve with a slice of crispy garlic bread to soak up any leftover cheesy goodness.
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## **Why This Recipe is a Must-Try:**
1. **Quick and Easy:** This casserole comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a dish to prep ahead of time.
2. **Crowd-Pleaser:** With its comforting layers of beef, rice, and cheese, it’s a guaranteed hit with the whole family, including picky eaters!
3. **Customizable:** You can add extra veggies like **bell peppers**, **corn**, or **peas**, or even spice it up with a bit of **jalapeño** for some heat. Feel free to switch up the cheeses as well for different flavors.
4. **Leftovers:** This casserole keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
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## **Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole:**
– **Use long-grain rice:** Long-grain white rice works best for this casserole, as it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors from the beef and broth.
– **Check the rice:** If the rice isn’t fully cooked after the baking time, you can cover the casserole and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or add a little extra broth and bake until the rice is tender.
– **Make it spicy:** If you like a bit of heat, add some **chopped green chilies** or **hot sauce** to the mixture for a spicy kick.
– **Add more cheese:** If you love cheesy dishes, don’t be afraid to add a little extra cheese on top before baking for an even cheesier crust.
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## **Conclusion:**
This **Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole** is the ultimate comfort food—simple to make, hearty, and delicious. It’s packed with protein, cheesy goodness, and just the right amount of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this casserole will surely become a staple in your meal rotation.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the wonderful aroma of this cheesy, meaty casserole fill your kitchen! Enjoy! 🍽️🧀
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