Are you craving a mouthwatering, hearty meal that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, and a symphony of seasonings? Look no further than this incredible Bountiful Beef and Rice Bake – a dish so delicious, it'll have your family fighting for seconds and begging for the recipe! This one-pan wonder transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that's both easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté with the beef until the onions become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef and onion mixture to ensure a less greasy final dish.
- Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, beef broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help the rice cook properly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the top to slightly crisp and brown.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow flavors to meld and for easier serving.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using beef broth with low sodium to control salt levels and enhance the meat's natural taste.
- Choose a high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20) to ensure juiciness without excess grease.
- To prevent rice from becoming mushy, make sure to drain excess fat completely and use the correct liquid-to-rice ratio.
- For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking and consider sprinkling some shredded cheese for added richness.
- Let the dish rest after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb any remaining moisture, ensuring a perfect texture.
- For a healthier version, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Meal prep tip: This dish freezes beautifully! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months and reheat for a quick, delicious meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
