Are you tired of bland, boring dinners that leave your family unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight meal with the most mouth-watering, crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone rushing to the dinner table! This Fill Em Up Family Supper is not just a recipe – it's a culinary experience that combines hearty ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, and a cheesy topping that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, sauté until they become soft and slightly translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture if necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the cooked rice and diced tomatoes, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the top of the beef and rice mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set.
- Serve hot, portioning out approximately 1 cup per serving. Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Meat Matters: Use lean ground beef (80/20 ratio) for the best flavor and texture. Make sure to drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Rice Hack: Use day-old rice or freshly cooked rice that has been slightly cooled. This prevents the rice from becoming mushy during baking.
- Cheese Selection: While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, experiment with different varieties like cheddar, Mexican blend, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add extra vegetables like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and add more depth to the dish.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Seasoning Secret: Don't be shy with seasonings! Consider adding garlic powder, paprika, or a dash of cayenne for an extra flavor kick.
- Garnish Greatness: Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream can elevate the presentation and taste.Pro Tip: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the ingredients to set and makes serving much easier!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 75mg
