A hearty, cheesy hamburger rice casserole baked in one dish. Perfect for easy family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 1/2 cups long grain white rice (uncooked)
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
1 cup sour cream or 1 can cream of mushroom soup (optional)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional garnish: parsley, green onions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add onion and garlic; sauté for 3–4 minutes.
Stir in tomato sauce, seasonings, and optional sour cream. Simmer 5 minutes.
Add rice and broth; stir and simmer 2–3 minutes.
Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover tightly with foil.
Bake 40–45 minutes until rice is tender.
Remove foil, top with cheese, and bake uncovered for 10–12 minutes.
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.