Description
This Italian Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and tender rice, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and bakes to bubbly, cheesy perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- Olive oil, for cooking
Other Ingredients
- 1½ cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Simmer: Stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to release the aromas. Then add the diced tomatoes with juice and tomato sauce. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine with Rice: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked rice until the mixture is well combined and uniform.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the beef and rice mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for added color and freshness.
Notes
- Use leftover rice to speed up preparation.
- For extra nutrition and flavor, stir in a handful of spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms before baking.
- This casserole freezes well; you can assemble ahead of time and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time.
