Name: cheesy ground beef and rice casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500g (1lb 1oz) Ground Beef: Halal ground beef recommended for quality.; 200g (1 cup) Long-Grain Rice, Rinsed: Rinsing removes excess starch.; 1 Medium Onion (≈150g / 5oz), Diced: Provides a savory base.; 2 Cloves Garlic (≈10g / 0.35oz), Minced: Adds aromatic depth.; 400g (14oz) Diced Tomatoes, Undrained: Contributes acidity and moisture.; 250ml (1 cup) Beef Broth: Low-sodium, halal-certified preferred.; 250ml (1 cup) Whole Milk: Creates a rich béchamel.; 30g (2 tbsp) Butter: Adds richness to sauce and topping.; 30g (2 tbsp) Flour: Thickens the béchamel sauce.; 150g (5oz) Cheddar Cheese, Grated: Sharp cheddar for tangy flavor.; 100g (3½oz) Smoked Mozzarella, Shredded: Adds smoky flavor and melt.; 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: The key flavor component.; ½ tsp Ground Cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness.; ½ tsp Dried Thyme: Provides subtle herbal aroma.; Salt and Pepper to Taste: Essential for seasoning.; 50g (½ cup) Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy topping.; 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For sautéing and greasing.; 2 tbsp Parsley, Chopped: For garnish.; 1 tsp Lemon Zest (optional): Brightens flavors.

Description

This Smoky Paprika Swirl Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring a creamy cheese béchamel and a smoky paprika swirl. It’s perfect for a hearty weeknight meal or cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients

Scale

500g (1lb 1oz) Ground Beef: Halal ground beef recommended for quality.
200g (1 cup) Long-Grain Rice, Rinsed: Rinsing removes excess starch.
1 Medium Onion (≈150g / 5oz), Diced: Provides a savory base.
2 Cloves Garlic (≈10g / 0.35oz), Minced: Adds aromatic depth.
400g (14oz) Diced Tomatoes, Undrained: Contributes acidity and moisture.
250ml (1 cup) Beef Broth: Low-sodium, halal-certified preferred.
250ml (1 cup) Whole Milk: Creates a rich béchamel.
30g (2 tbsp) Butter: Adds richness to sauce and topping.
30g (2 tbsp) Flour: Thickens the béchamel sauce.
150g (5oz) Cheddar Cheese, Grated: Sharp cheddar for tangy flavor.
100g (3½oz) Smoked Mozzarella, Shredded: Adds smoky flavor and melt.
1 tsp Smoked Paprika: The key flavor component.
½ tsp Ground Cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness.
½ tsp Dried Thyme: Provides subtle herbal aroma.
Salt and Pepper to Taste: Essential for seasoning.
50g (½ cup) Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy topping.
1 tbsp Olive Oil: For sautéing and greasing.
2 tbsp Parsley, Chopped: For garnish.
1 tsp Lemon Zest (optional): Brightens flavors.

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Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a casserole dish.
Cook Rice: Rinse rice, boil with water, simmer for 15 minutes, and fluff.
Brown Beef: Sauté onion and garlic, then brown ground beef and drain fat.
Season Beef: Stir in paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, pepper, tomatoes, and broth; simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine & Layer: Fold rice into beef, layer half in dish, then béchamel. Repeat layers and swirl.
Make Béchamel: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk, and cook until thickened. Stir in cheese and season.
Prepare Topping: Combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Rest & Garnish: Let rest for 10 minutes, garnish with parsley and lemon zest.

Notes

For a smoother béchamel, whisk constantly while adding milk. Assembling the casserole ahead of time is convenient.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg