Cheap dinner that will last a few nights…Prepare one box of Rice a Roni Spanish rice as directed on the box. In a large skillet brown 1 lb lean ground beef, chopped onions, chopped red and green bell peppers. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese, 1 can of Rotel, salt pepper and cumin. Combine all together along with the prepared rice. Pour into a baking dish and top with additional shredded sharp cheddar cheese and bake at 350 ° for 25- 30 minutes
Cheesy Spanish Rice Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients:
- 1 box Rice a Roni Spanish rice
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1 can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Prepare Rice a Roni:
- Follow the instructions on the box to prepare the Spanish rice. Set aside once cooked.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked.
- Saute Vegetables:
- Add chopped onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Season:
- Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and cumin to the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Add Rotel and Cheese:
- Pour in the can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies) and add a cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are well combined.
- Combine with Rice:
- Mix the prepared Rice a Roni with the meat and vegetable mixture. Ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle additional shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Dish it out into plates, and enjoy your delicious and budget-friendly Cheesy Spanish Rice Casserole!
This hearty and flavorful casserole is not only easy to make but will also provide several nights’ worth of satisfying meals. Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite toppings or add-ins!
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a great lean alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust your seasonings to taste, as turkey may have a milder flavor compared to beef.
Q2: Can I add more vegetables to the casserole? A2: Certainly! This recipe is versatile, and you can customize it to your liking. Consider adding corn, black beans, or diced tomatoes for additional flavor and texture.
Q3: How long does the Cheesy Spanish Rice Casserole last in the refrigerator? A3: When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this casserole can last for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it’s properly cooled before storing.
Q4: Can I freeze leftovers? A4: Yes, you can freeze leftovers for an extended shelf life. Store the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q5: How do I reheat the casserole? A5: To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual portions or the oven for larger quantities. Cover with foil to prevent the top from overcooking and heat until it’s warmed through.
Q6: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A6: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for a day or two before baking. This is a great time-saving option for busy evenings.
Q7: What can I serve with the Cheesy Spanish Rice Casserole? A7: This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, guacamole, or sour cream for added freshness and creaminess.
Q8: Can I use a different type of cheese? A8: Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or pepper jack can add unique flavors to the dish.
Q9: How can I make it spicier? A9: If you like a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños to the meat and vegetable mixture or using a spicier variety of Rotel.
Q10: Can I use brown rice instead of Rice a Roni? A10: Certainly! Prepare brown rice separately and then combine it with the meat and vegetable mixture. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Keep in mind that the cooking time for brown rice may be longer than that of Rice a Roni.
