Description
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese with a smoky chipotle lime cream swirl for a flavorful and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for weeknights or potlucks!
Ingredients
Scale
- 250g (1 cup) long-grain white rice
- 500g (1 lb) halal ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 250ml (1 cup) low-salt vegetable broth
- 150g (1 ½ cup) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 150g (1 ½ cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 80ml (1/3 cup) heavy cream
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, minced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 30g (¼ cup) grated sharp cheddar
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- Lime zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 23x33cm (9×13-in) baking dish.
- Cook the Rice: Rinse rice, then simmer with 500ml water for 15 minutes until tender. Fluff and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté diced onion in olive oil until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Brown ground beef, breaking it up, and drain any excess grease.
- Season the Beef: Season beef with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add diced tomatoes and broth; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Combine rice, beef mixture, and half the cheeses.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer to baking dish and spread evenly.
- Prepare Cream: Whisk cream, chipotle, adobo, lime juice, zest, and cheddar.
- Swirl & Top: Swirl cream over casserole and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest & Garnish: Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with cilantro and lime zest.
Notes
Rinsing the rice removes excess starch for a fluffier texture. Don’t overmix the ingredients to avoid mushy rice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg