Beef and Broccoli Rice Bake with Cheddar Cheese

If you’re looking for a satisfying and comforting dish that’s both hearty and full of flavor, look no further than this Beef and Broccoli Rice Bake with Cheddar Cheese. It’s a classic casserole that combines savory ground beef, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice, all held together by creamy, melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or a meal-prep option for the week. Packed with vegetables and protein, it’s a complete meal that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients:

For the Beef and Broccoli Rice Bake:

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or 80/20 blend)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
  • 1 1/2 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream (optional, for creamier texture)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Rice

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
  • Cook the rice according to the package instructions using the broth instead of water for extra flavor. Typically, for 1 cup of rice, use 1 1/2 cups of broth. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Blanch or Steam the Broccoli

  • While the beef is cooking, prepare the broccoli. If using fresh broccoli, blanch the florets by cooking them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. If using frozen broccoli, steam according to package instructions until tender.
  • Drain the broccoli and set it aside. You want the broccoli to be cooked but still firm, as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, browned ground beef, and broccoli. If you want a creamier casserole, stir in 1/2 cup of milk or heavy cream.
  • Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly distributed.
  • Season the mixture with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish and Add Toppings

  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and, if using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy, golden crust.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  • If you prefer a crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 7: Serve

  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set and make it easier to slice and serve.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

COOKING Note:

  • You can easily substitute brown rice for white rice if you prefer a healthier option. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so plan accordingly.
  • If you’re using pre-cooked or leftover rice, you can skip the step of cooking the rice from scratch and save some time.
  • For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk when combining the ingredients. It adds a creamy, velvety texture to the dish.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve this Beef and Broccoli Rice Bake with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
  • A dollop of sour cream or a splash of hot sauce on top adds a little extra flair and flavor.
  • This dish also pairs well with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up any cheesy goodness.

Tips:

  • Feel free to customize the veggies. If broccoli isn’t your favorite, try substituting it with cauliflower, green beans, or spinach.
  • This casserole can be made ahead of time! Simply assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
  • Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you want to add a little heat to the dish.

Prep Time:

  • 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

  • 35 minutes (includes cooking rice and baking)

Total Time:

  • 55 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 6):

  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: 32g
  • Sodium: 760mg
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 3g

Conclusion:

This Beef and Broccoli Rice Bake with Cheddar Cheese is a comforting, veggie-packed casserole that’s both filling and flavorful. The savory ground beef pairs perfectly with tender broccoli, and the melted cheddar cheese ties everything together for an irresistible dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables and seasonings, making it a dish you’ll return to time and time again.

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