- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or a similarly sized baking dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef.
- Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s mostly browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper (if using). Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
- Add Rice & Liquids:
- Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it gets well mixed with the beef and vegetables.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the drained diced tomatoes.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
(Note: The rice does not need to be completely cooked at this point since it will finish baking in the oven.)
- Incorporate Veggies:
- Stir in the frozen corn and peas. Mix everything well.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Transfer the beef and rice mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the Cheddar Crust:
- In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder (if using).
- Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the top of the beef and rice layer.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- The casserole is done when the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, and the cheddar topping is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- For an extra-crispy topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes—but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Rice Variations: Feel free to use brown rice or a wild rice blend. Keep in mind that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid.
- Veggie Boost: Add in other vegetables such as diced carrots, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
- Cheese Options: Mix in a bit of Monterey Jack or pepper jack with the cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Enjoy this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole as a wholesome, all-in-one dinner that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table!