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This warm hamburger and rice bake combines rich comfort with filling goodness. Ground beef mixes with tender rice and zesty tomatoes while melted sharp cheddar gives it a cozy, cheesy finish you'll love in every bite.
I whipped this up after a hectic week needing something quick and tasty to gather everyone around. It quickly turned into my favorite for busy evenings and chill weekends.
Needed Ingredients
- Two cups beef stock: keeps everything moist and flavors the rice during cooking
- One teaspoon garlic powder: adds a soft garlicky kick that doesn’t overpower
- One can diced tomatoes with green chilies: gives moisture and a bit of zing with chunky texture
- One medium onion, diced fine: sweetens and layers flavor alongside the beef
- One pound lean ground beef: provides a rich, savory base without extra grease
- One cup long-grain white rice: stays fluffy and soaks up all the tasty juices perfectly
- Salt to taste: lifts and blends the flavors naturally
- Two cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: offers creamy boldness and that cheesy melt factor
- Pepper to taste: adds just a touch of heat to round things out
How to Make It
- Heat the Oven:
- Turn your oven to 350°F so everything bakes evenly and perfectly.
- Cook Beef and Onions:
- In a big pan on medium heat, brown the ground beef while stirring in the chopped onions until the beef is nicely cooked and onions soften and get sweet. This builds great flavor.
- Mix Rice with Tomatoes:
- Add the rice and canned tomatoes with green chile to the pan. Stir to coat the rice and spread tomatoes evenly.
- Pour Broth and Season:
- Add the beef broth, then sprinkle in salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bring it to a gentle bubble so the rice starts soaking up the flavors.
- Move to Baking Dish and Cover:
- Grease a baking pan, pour the mix in, then seal it tightly with foil to trap steam. Bake for 25 minutes so rice cooks through.
- Add Cheese, Bake More:
- Take off the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar on top. Put it back uncovered and bake 10 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly golden.
- Let It Sit:
- Give it 5 minutes to rest so the juices settle for nice, neat servings.
I’m a fan of sharp cheddar here because it’s flavorful enough to shine through the beef and tomatoes. The first time I served this, the melted cheesy top was bubbling and golden, and my family didn’t want any leftovers.
Storage Ideas
Put leftovers in a sealed container and keep in the fridge for up to three days. Warm it up in the oven or microwave, adding a little broth if it seems dry. You can also freeze it for easy future meals.
Swaps and Changes
Try swapping ground beef for turkey or chicken to lighten it up without losing taste. Use brown or jasmine rice for new flavors and textures, just tweak the liquid and cooking time a bit. Toss in bell peppers or mushrooms for more color and nutrients.
What Goes Well
Pair this with a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli add a nice crunch and color. Grab a light beer or fruity red wine for a tasty match.
This dish has become a go-to when I want something hearty and comforting without a lot of drama. It’s been a real crowd favorite and a great way to bring everyone together with tasty food.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Which rice is best for this meal?
Long-grain white rice works well because it stays fluffy and soaks up flavors without getting mushy.
- → Can I swap cheddar for another cheese?
Sure, Monterey Jack or mozzarella are good choices if you want something milder and creamier.
- → Is it okay to add veggies to this dish?
Definitely. Tossing in diced bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms adds flavor and boosts nutrition.
- → How do I make sure the beef turns out tender and tasty?
Cook the ground beef with chopped onions until they’re nicely browned. This builds a rich and savory flavor base.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep, you can put it together before and keep it in the fridge until baking. Leftovers reheat well for up to three days.