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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup uncooked white rice - 2 cups beef broth - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn) - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Alternative Protein Options: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. These options are leaner and still tasty. - Gluten-Free Rice Choices: If you need gluten-free, use brown rice or jasmine rice. Just adjust cooking times for different types. - Dairy-Free Cheese Suggestions: Use plant-based cheese for a dairy-free option. It melts well and keeps the dish cheesy. These ingredients make a simple and delicious meal. You’ll enjoy how easy it is to prepare. For the full recipe, check the earlier section! - Preheat Oven and Prepare Skillet Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly. While the oven heats, get your large skillet ready. - Sauté Onion and Garlic In your skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add one small diced onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and clear. Next, add two minced garlic cloves. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until it smells great. - Brown the Ground Beef Now, add one pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up into small pieces. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it is brown and no longer pink. If there is too much fat, carefully drain it. - Combine Ingredients and Cook Stir in one packet of ranch seasoning mix, one cup of uncooked white rice, and two cups of beef broth. Turn up the heat until it gently boils. Cover the skillet and lower the heat. Let it cook for about 15 minutes until the rice is soft and most of the broth is gone. When almost done, mix in one cup of frozen mixed vegetables and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. - Transfer to Casserole Dish Carefully spoon the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the rest of the cheddar cheese. - Bake and Finish Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch. You can find the Full Recipe at the beginning of this article. - Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Rice To get fluffy rice, rinse it first. This removes excess starch. Use equal parts rice and broth. Cook it gently. Do not stir it too much while cooking. - Avoiding a Dried-Out Casserole Keep the lid on while cooking the rice. This traps steam and moisture. If your casserole seems dry, add a splash of broth before baking. - Complementary Side Dishes A crisp green salad pairs well. Garlic bread adds a nice touch. Both sides balance the rich flavors of the casserole. - Garnishing for Presentation Fresh parsley looks great on top. It adds color and freshness. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra cheese for a cheesy touch. For the full recipe, visit the section above. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of your casserole easily. Adding different vegetables can make this dish exciting. Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. These veggies add color and texture. They also boost nutrition. Just chop them up and mix them in with the ground beef. If you want some heat, spice level adjustments are a smart move. Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Start small. You can always add more if you like it hot. This will give your casserole a fun kick. For those who prefer vegetarian options, you can swap the ground beef. Use lentils or black beans instead. They add protein and flavor. Just cook them until tender and mix them into the rice. You can also use extra veggies for a hearty dish. If you're on a low-carb diet, consider a low-carb adaptation. Replace rice with cauliflower rice. It cooks fast and absorbs flavors well. You can also add more cheese for creaminess. This keeps the casserole tasty while cutting carbs. For the full recipe, check out the link provided. To keep your cheesy ranch ground beef and rice casserole fresh, follow these tips: - Best Practices for Refrigeration: Let the casserole cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors intact. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. - Freezing for Future Meals: If you want to save it for later, freezing works well. Cut the casserole into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This will last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers again, here’s how to reheat them: - Microwave vs. Oven Methods: For quick reheating, the microwave is great. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes. - Maintaining Texture and Flavor: To keep the casserole moist, add a splash of beef broth when reheating. This helps restore the creamy texture and enhances the flavor. Enjoy your delicious cheesy ranch ground beef and rice casserole again! Can I make Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the casserole as directed, then cool it completely. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, simply reheat it in the oven until hot. This makes it great for busy nights! What can I substitute if I don't have ranch seasoning? If you lack ranch seasoning, mix your own using herbs. Combine dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley for a tasty alternative. You can also try using a packet of Italian dressing mix for a different flavor twist. How do I know when the casserole is done baking? You’ll know the casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly. It should also be lightly golden on top. Use a fork to check if the rice is tender. If it’s soft, your casserole is ready to serve! This blog post covered a tasty Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. We looked at key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to make it great. You learned about ingredient swaps for dietary needs and how to store leftovers properly. Remember, this dish is flexible, and you can add your twist with spices or veggies. Enjoy your cooking and make this dish your own!

Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Satisfy your cravings with this delicious Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole! This easy-to-make recipe combines savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and colorful mixed veggies, all baked to perfection. Perfect for dinner with the family, this hearty dish is ready in under an hour. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this comforting meal that's sure to be a hit!

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

1 cup uncooked white rice

2 cups beef broth

1 packet ranch seasoning mix

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and tender.

      Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic releases its aromatic fragrance.

        Incorporate the ground beef into the skillet, using a spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Cook until the beef is browned all over, approximately 5-7 minutes. If there is any excess fat, carefully drain it from the skillet.

          Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, uncooked rice, and beef broth. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the broth and is tender.

            When the rice is nearly cooked, add the frozen mixed vegetables and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Carefully transfer the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, distributing it evenly over the top.

                Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.

                  Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. To finish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve directly from the casserole dish, using a large spoon to scoop servings. A side of crisp green salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with this hearty dish.