Hearty Beef and Rice Vegetable Bake
Looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to make? This Hearty Beef and Rice Vegetable Bake is the perfect answer! Packed with delicious flavors and wholesome ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 cup of rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
- Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, rice, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, until the rice is partially cooked.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g
Popular Questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
- Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter version of this dish.
Yes, you can use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free option with added protein.
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you prefer to customize this dish to your liking.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, try adding some Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef mixture.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving for a burst of freshness.
- You can use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for variety.
Expert Secrets:
- Make sure to season each layer of the dish to ensure balanced flavors throughout.
- Covering the dish with foil helps the rice cook evenly and prevents it from drying out.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
