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Spicy Rice and Ground Beef Casserole

A hearty and tasty dish that combines filling rice, lean ground beef, southwest-style veggies and creamy cheddar cheese.
Cooking for a Crowd

Cooking for a Crowd

Use these recipe sheets to prepare for larger groups:

Kid friendly
Casserole dish with rice, beef and vegetables with melted cheddar cheese.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small bell pepper or jalapeño pepper, chopped
1 cup rice, uncooked
2 cups chopped tomato, fresh or canned, with juice
2 cups water
1 Tablespoon chili powder (or more to taste)
1 Tablespoon oregano 
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup (2 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Brown meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees F in an electric skillet). Drain fat (see Notes).
  4. Add onion and peppers and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until vegetables are soft.
  5. Add rice, tomato, 2 cups water, and spices. Mix well and bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add more water if needed.
  7. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Try brown rice and simmer for 10 more minutes.
  • If using instant rice, reduce water to 1 cup.
  • Try ground turkey in place of beef.
  • Try adding cilantro on top for more flavor.
  • Pour fat from cooked meat into a metal container. Let it cool, then dispose of it in a garbage can.

Comments

This is a great recipe to keep as a "go-to" for our family!  We have made it many different ways, often with 2 cups of beans instead of the beef, and we have used it to fill tacos or top nachos.  We often serve it with salsa, queso fresco and avocado - staples in our house.

This is perfect for my husband and I. We do the bell pepper, and then he adds hot sauce to his plate because I don't like spicy foods. I like how this is only 10 minutes of prep and while it cooks, you can do the dishes!

A tasty, quick and easy to prepare meal.  I prepared last night for a Parenting Class with adults and youth.  Because I used green bell pepper and had bottled hot sauce available, all could have the level of heat they preferred.  It seemed to be a hit and they liked how simple it was to make. 
 

Good! A little spicy but perfect for winter!

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