This straightforward casserole combines cooked rice and seasoned ground beef under a layer of bubbling cheddar. Sour cream softens the tomato base, while onion and garlic powder round out the filling.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Set a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Continue until the onion is soft and the beef reaches 160°F (71°C), then drain away any excess fat.
- Stir the garlic powder and tomato sauce into the skillet. Add the cooked rice and sour cream, season with salt and pepper, and mix until the rice is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Scatter the shredded cheddar over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the filling is bubbling. Let the casserole settle briefly after removing it from the oven, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Using rice that is already cooked keeps the oven time focused on heating the filling and melting the cheese. Drain the beef well before adding the tomato sauce so the casserole stays creamy rather than greasy.
