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In the realm of comforting home-cooked meals, few dishes can rival the heartwarming appeal of a cheesy beef and broccoli rice casserole. This recipe combines the rich flavors of ground beef with the nutritious goodness of broccoli and the satisfying texture of rice, all enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this casserole is not only easy to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s delve into the details of this delicious recipe and discover how to prepare this hearty dish that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Cheesy Beef and Broccoli Rice Casserole

Discover the heartwarming flavors of cheesy beef and broccoli rice casserole, a family-friendly dish that's perfect for dinner or meal prep. Featuring savory ground beef, nutritious broccoli, and tender rice, all enveloped in creamy cheese, this casserole is as comforting as it gets. Easy to make and loaded with flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Embrace this delicious recipe and create a satisfying meal that everyone will love, making it a staple in your kitchen.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

1 cup uncooked white rice

3 cups beef broth

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

2 tablespoons butter (optional, for breadcrumb topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the casserole is assembled.

    Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and then the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly for about 5-7 minutes. After cooking, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish light.

      Season the Beef: Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir well and allow to cook for another minute to blend the flavors beautifully.

        Mix the Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned ground beef with the uncooked rice, broccoli florets, cream of mushroom soup, and 2 cups of beef broth. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.

          Transfer Mixture to Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the beef and rice mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.

            Add Remaining Broth: Carefully pour the remaining 1 cup of beef broth over the top of the mixture in the baking dish. This will ensure the rice absorbs the liquid and cooks properly.

              Sprinkle with Cheese: Evenly distribute the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, creating a delicious cheesy layer.

                Prepare Breadcrumb Topping (Optional): If you’d like an extra crunchy topping, melt the butter in a small bowl and combine it with the breadcrumbs, stirring until they are well coated. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer for added texture.

                  Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and the rice is tender.

                    Allow to Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the flavors meld and allows for easier serving. Serve warm and savor every bite!

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes

                        Total Time: 1 hour

                          Servings: 6

                            - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color. Pair it with a simple side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!