I started making this when my own kids got tired of plain ground beef and rice but still wanted something cheesy and filling This meal disappeared the very first night I served it and now it is a regular in our rotation especially in chilly weather or when we need something that reheats well.
- Ground beef: You want it for savory richness and hearty protein Look for 85 per cent lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and minimal grease
- Bell peppers: The signature flavor and sweetness Choose firm peppers in a variety of colors for extra appeal
- Onion: Brings sweetness and depth Dice it fine if you have picky eaters
- Garlic: Lends sharp warmth and aroma Use fresh for the best punch
- Worcestershire sauce: Brightens up the beef and deepens umami Choose one without high fructose corn syrup if possible
- Low sodium beef broth: Provides extra flavor and moisture Reduced sodium keeps things balanced
- Diced tomatoes: For freshness acidity and juiciness Use a good quality brand for the richest flavor
- Long grain white rice: It soaks up all those juices and keeps the casserole hearty Pick rice that cooks evenly avoid quick-cook types
- Italian seasoning: Brings herbal notes and pulls everything together Pick a brand with whole dried herbs if possible
- Salt: Essential for flavor boost taste as you go
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and pep
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and makes each bite gooey Buy a block and shred for best melt
- Cheddar cheese: Adds tangy creaminess Sharp cheddar works best try to get it fresh and shred yourself
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat Break up the beef well and keep cooking until most of the pink is gone but it is not yet crispy This should take about six to eight minutes Draining extra fat is optional if using higher fat beef
- Soften the Vegetables:
- Add chopped onion and bell peppers to the browned beef Stir and keep cooking another five to ten minutes Keep the heat at medium so the veggies soften without burning Stir occasionally and let the onions turn nearly translucent and the peppers start to wilt This step builds the base flavor
- Bloom Garlic:
- Add the minced garlic right to the pan with the beef and vegetables Stir constantly for about two minutes Your goal is just to release all that fragrance without letting the garlic brown
- Mix in Remaining Ingredients:
- Pour in the Worcestershire sauce low sodium beef broth diced tomatoes uncooked rice Italian seasoning salt and pepper Give everything a very thorough stir and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat This lets the rice start absorbing liquid evenly
- Simmer and Steam:
- Turn heat to low cover the pan tightly and simmer for twenty minutes After ten minutes give everything a good stir and re-cover Check that the mixture stays just simmering not boiling hard so the rice cooks through and does not stick
- Add Cheese and Finish:
- Once the rice is tender stir in half the mozzarella and cheddar Let the heat melt the cheese into the casserole for a minute or two
- Top and Melt Remaining Cheese:
- Sprinkle the rest of the cheeses evenly on top Cover again and let the cheese finish melting This takes less than three minutes If your pan is oven safe and you love bubbly cheese you can put it under the broiler for one to two minutes instead
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from the heat and serve hot right from the skillet You get the best flavor when the cheese is creamy and the rice is just cooked through
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