Description
A cozy, oven-baked beef and rice casserole made with simple pantry ingredients, slow-baked until tender and comforting. This hearty dish brings deep flavor, warmth, and family-style comfort to the table
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2½ cups beef broth (warm)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F. Lightly oil a deep baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned.
Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add tomato paste and cook for one minute to deepen flavor.
Stir in the rice and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in warm beef broth and mix well.
Transfer everything to the baking dish. Cover tightly with foil.
Bake for about 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until rice is tender.
Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use ground beef with some fat for better flavor and moisture
- Always use warm broth so the rice cooks evenly
- Do not over-toast the rice, just lightly coat it with the beef mixture
- Cover the casserole tightly while baking to prevent drying
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving
- Add a small splash of broth when reheating leftovers
- Tastes even better the next day after flavors settle
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food / Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: per serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg