It’s a chilly evening, and there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a hearty casserole wafting through the house. Ground beef, the unsung hero of many weeknight meals, takes center stage in this delightfully easy dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Just like a surprise snowfall in April—unexpected but welcome—this recipe has a way of turning an ordinary dinner into something special.
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, pressing it into a flat layer, and cook without stirring until the bottom is browned, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Break up the beef and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and vegetables are soft, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in canned diced tomatoes with juice, beef stock, uncooked rice, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Increase the heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 20-25 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and mix the contents. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover, and let it sit for about 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy the meal!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef stock
- 1 cup uncooked white long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Cheddar-Jack cheese blend
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
FAQ
- Can I use different types of ground meat for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute ground beef with pork, chicken, or turkey. Keep in mind that chicken and turkey are milder in flavor, so consider adding Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for extra taste.
- What kind of rice should I use?
- Long-grain rice is recommended for its non-sticky texture and fluffy result. You can use white or brown rice, or even basmati, but avoid jasmine rice as its delicate flavors may not complement the dish well.
- What additional ingredients can I include in the skillet?
- Besides the essential onion, garlic, tomatoes, and beef broth, you can add green bell peppers, or switch them out for red or yellow peppers. Other vegetables like peas, carrots, or a frozen mix can also be used, but stick to about one or two cups in total.
- How can I achieve a nice brown crust on the ground beef?
- To get a good crust on the beef, press it into an even layer in the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring.
- Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
- While this recipe is centered around ground meat, you can adapt it by using plant-based ground meat alternatives or increasing the amount of vegetables and adding beans for protein.
Tips
- Choose Your Ground Meat Wisely: While beef is a popular choice, this recipe can be made with ground pork, chicken, or turkey. If you opt for chicken or turkey, consider adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to enhance the flavor, as these meats can be milder than beef.
- Select the Right Rice: Use long-grain rice for a fluffy texture, but feel free to experiment with different types like brown or basmati rice. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so check the package instructions to adjust accordingly.
- Enhance with Vegetables: Besides the standard onion and garlic, feel free to add your favorite vegetables. Green peppers work well, but you can also try red or yellow peppers, peas, carrots, or a frozen vegetable mix. Aim for about one to two cups of additional veggies.
- Perfect the Cheese Finish: After cooking, sprinkle the dish with your choice of cheese such as Cheddar or Monterey Jack. Let it stand covered for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt perfectly, enhancing the dish’s creamy texture.
Equipment
- Large Skillet with Lid – A good-quality skillet is essential for cooking the entire dish in one pan.
- Spatula – Useful for breaking up and stirring the ground beef while cooking.
- Chef’s Knife – Needed for chopping the onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
- Cutting Board – For chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
