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### **Instructions:**
1. **Preheat your oven:**
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole is perfectly cooked and bubbly when it’s ready to serve.
2. **Cook the ground beef:**
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate.
3. **Sauté the vegetables:**
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using). Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
4. **Combine the ingredients:**
Add the browned ground beef back into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Mix everything together until evenly combined.
5. **Assemble the casserole:**
Transfer the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to help the rice cook evenly.
6. **Bake the casserole:**
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. **Garnish and serve:**
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and color.
### **Tips for Success:**
– **Rice cooking tip:** If you want to ensure your rice is cooked perfectly, you can partially cook it before adding it to the casserole. This will help prevent overcooking in the oven.
– **Cheese variations:** You can swap out the cheddar cheese for any variety you like, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
– **Add veggies:** Feel free to mix in other vegetables like corn, peas, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
– **Make it spicy:** If you love heat, use a spicy version of diced tomatoes or add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the mixture.
### **Why You’ll Love This Casserole:**
– **Easy to make:** With only one pan and a few simple ingredients, this casserole is a quick and easy weeknight dinner option.
– **Comfort food:** The creamy, cheesy topping and savory beef make this dish perfect for cozy dinners and family meals.
– **Versatile:** You can tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes or use what you have on hand, making it a go-to recipe for meal planning and leftovers.
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is more than just a meal – it’s a comforting dish that brings the family together at the dinner table. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or as part of a weekend gathering, it’s sure to satisfy every appetite. Give it a try and enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness!
