Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional for crispiness)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
4. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Let simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
5. Fold in the frozen mixed vegetables until evenly distributed.
6. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden.
9. If desired, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and crushed crackers over the top, then bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until melted and golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition