Cheesy Beef and Veggie Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small pack of Birdseye mixed vegetables
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can (14 oz) chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- Shredded cheese (your choice of type and quantity)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- While the ground beef is cooking, prepare the rice by cooking it in the chicken broth according to the package instructions.
- Meanwhile, microwave the mixed vegetables for half of the suggested time on the package to partially cook them.
- When there are about 5 minutes left on the rice cooking time, add the cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and partially cooked mixed vegetables to the rice. Mix well to combine.
- Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for the remaining 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the mixture to your desired thickness.
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the cheesy beef and veggie rice casserole hot, and enjoy with your family!
Here are some tips to make your Cheesy Beef and Veggie Rice Casserole even better:
- Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to season the ground beef while browning it. You can add salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other favorite seasoning blend to enhance the flavor.
- Vegetable Variation: Feel free to use fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned ones for a fresher taste. You can also mix and match different veggies according to your preference.
- Rice Options: Experiment with different types of rice for varied texture and flavor. Brown rice or wild rice can add nuttiness and chewiness to the casserole.
- Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you prefer, you can make your own cream of mushroom soup from scratch for a fresher taste. It’s relatively easy and allows you to control the ingredients.
- Cheese Selection: Choose your favorite type of cheese or a combination of cheeses to top the casserole. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both work well. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Additional Ingredients: Customize the casserole by adding extras like diced onions, minced garlic, diced bell peppers, or chopped herbs for added depth of flavor.
- Layering: For a visually appealing presentation, consider layering the ingredients in the casserole dish. Start with a layer of rice mixture, followed by a layer of cheese, and repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Covering: If you prefer a softer texture, cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil while baking to trap steam and moisture, resulting in a more tender casserole.
- Garnish: Before serving, garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. Simply increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.
