Step 1: Cook the Rice

• Begin by cooking 2 cups of rice according to the package instructions. Set it aside once done.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up into crumbles until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
• Drain any excess grease from the beef.

Step 3: Season the Beef

• Once the beef is browned, add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Stir in the BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the cooked rice evenly on the bottom as the base layer.
• Next, pour the BBQ-flavored ground beef mixture over the rice, spreading it evenly.
• Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

• Top the casserole with another layer of shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup).
• Sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the cheese layer.
• Drizzle ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the entire casserole for an extra burst of smoky sweetness.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Step 7: Prepare the Dressing

• While the casserole is baking, prepare the dressing. For a ranch drizzle, simply use store-bought or homemade ranch dressing.
• If you prefer a double BBQ effect, mix ½ cup of ranch dressing with ¼ cup of BBQ sauce for a tangy-sweet drizzle.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

• Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
• Drizzle ranch dressing or BBQ sauce (or both) over the top just before serving.
• Slice into portions and enjoy!