CHEESY BAKED RICE WITH GROUND BEEF
If you haven’t tried my Cheesy Baked Rice with Ground Beef, you’re seriously missing out because I cannot say enough good things about this dish!
Combining savory ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, this dish bursts with layers of deliciousness. The crowning glory is the generous layer of creamy mozzarella cheese, which melts to perfection and brings the dish to a whole new level. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
WHY I LOVE THIS CHEESY BAKED RICE WITH GROUND BEEF SO MUCH
This cheesy baked rice with ground beef is one of my go-to dishes when I invite friends over. Not only does it look delicious and fancy, but it’s also packed with flavors and healthy ingredients.
My favorite thing about this dish is that I can easily make a large batch for a group to share without spending extra time prepping and cooking. All I need to do is chop a few more veggies, then simply double the amount of beef, rice, and tomatoes—no additional prep required!
My friends love this dish so much that they always ask me to make it for our get-togethers or bring it to potlucks. It’s definitely a win-win situation!
MAIN INGREDIENTS FOR CHEESY BAKED RICE WITH GROUND BEEF
Ground Beef – This key ingredient provides a rich, savory flavor and hearty texture that forms the foundation of the dish. Cook the ground beef in a hot pan with some olive oil, use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces and sauté until perfectly browned.
Cooked Rice – The base of the dish, absorbing all the delicious flavors and providing a satisfying texture. Using cooked rice makes the preparation quicker and ensures that the grains are tender and well-integrated with the other ingredients.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – The star of the dish! I recommend using low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese for this cheesy baked rice with ground beef dish. Low-moisture mozzarella has less water content compared to fresh mozzarella, which helps it melt more evenly and smoothly when heated. When baked, low-moisture mozzarella will form a golden-brown crust on top of dishes, making the baked rice even more appetizing!
Red Onion – Adds a touch of sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed. The red onion also brings a beautiful color and a slightly milder flavor compared to other onions, balancing the richness of the beef.
Carrot and Celery – These vegetables contribute a subtle sweetness and crunch, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Carrots bring a natural sweetness, while celery adds a slight bitterness and crisp texture, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
Diced Tomatoes – Tomatoes bring a tangy, juicy element that complements the beef and veggies. The acidity of the tomatoes helps to balance the richness of the beef and cheese, while their juiciness adds moisture to the dish. I usually like to break them up into even smaller pieces to avoid having big tomato chunks in my baked rice, but this is entirely up to you!
Tomato Paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor, adding richness and depth to the sauce. A small amount of tomato paste goes a long way in enriching the sauce, providing a concentrated burst of umami and a thicker consistency.
EQUIPMENTS FOR CHEESY BAKED RICE WITH GROUND BEEF
HOW TO MAKE CHEESY BAKED RICE WITH GROUND BEEF
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
- Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2 minutes until onions start to soften.
- Add ground beef to the pan, break it into small pieces and sauté until browned. Add diced carrots and celery, sauté for another minute.
- Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper to the pan, cook for 2 minutes until it starts to thicken.
- Add cooked rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and mix until the rice is evenly coated with the sauce and everything is well combined. Taste the rice mixture and sprinkle in more salt if desired.
- Turn off the heat and transfer the rice to an 8”x 8” casserole dish. Top with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese, and spread it out in even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the top becomes golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving and enjoy!
VARIATIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS
Vegetable Variations – Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms based on your preference. You can also use a mix of fresh and frozen vegetables to save time on prep.
Cheese Options – While mozzarella cheese is recommended for its melting quality, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend for different flavor profiles. For a creamier texture, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese along with the mozzarella.
Rice Type – This recipe works well with leftover rice as it’s slightly dried out and absorbs the sauce better. You can use any type of cooked rice, such as jasmine, basmati, or even brown rice, for a healthier option.
Meat Alternatives – Ground chicken, turkey, or pork can be used instead of ground beef for a different taste. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat or increase the amount of vegetables and add beans or lentils for protein.
Sauce Adjustments – Adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce to taste. If you prefer a stronger flavor, add an extra tablespoon of soy sauce or oyster sauce. For a spicier dish, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
MAKE-AHEAD & STORAGE
• This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
•Serve with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
•A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also be a refreshing accompaniment.
Cheesy Baked Rice with Ground Beef
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 red onion - diced
- 1 carrot - diced
- 2 sticks celery - diced
- 14.5 oz can diced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2-2.5 cups cooked rice
- 6 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt or regular salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
- Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2 minutes until onions start to soften.
- Add ground beef to the pan, break it into small pieces and sauté until browned. Add diced carrots and celery, sauté for another minute.
- Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper to the pan, cook for 2 minutes until it starts to thicken.
- Add cooked rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and mix until the rice is evenly coated with the sauce and everything is well combined. Taste the rice mixture and sprinkle in more salt if desired.
- Turn off the heat and transfer the rice to an 8”x 8” casserole dish. Top with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese, and spread it out in even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the top becomes golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving and enjoy!