Cheesy Italian Rice Dish

This Italian Rice Casserole delivers all the cozy, familiar flavors of a classic Italian dinner in one easy pot. Ground beef, marinara sauce, and melty cheeses come together with tender rice for a satisfying weeknight meal everyone will love. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out and fills the kitchen with that irresistible Italian aroma.

I first made this casserole on a hectic weeknight when I needed comfort food fast. Since then, it has become a favorite that I turn to anytime I want a filling meal with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• One pound lean ground beef: provides hearty protein for the dish
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: freshly grated melts better and adds rich flavor
• Garlic powder: complements the fresh garlic and deepens the savory notes
• Onion powder: works alongside onions for layered seasoning
• Kosher salt and black pepper: essential for balanced taste
• Green bell pepper, diced small: adds a mild sweetness and freshness if you prefer, swap with a milder pepper or omit
• Small sweet onion, diced: less pungent than yellow onions, creating a smoother base
• Fresh garlic cloves, minced: use fresh for best aroma and flavor
• Beef broth: adds savory liquid for cooking rice and blending flavors low sodium options help control salt
• Thirty two ounce jar marinara sauce: key for that classic Italian tomato flavor adjust with water if using smaller jars
• Long grain white rice: cooks tender and soaks up the sauce nicely
• Shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: melts into gooey goodness both inside and on top

Instructions

Sauté the Beef Mixture:

In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef with parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This pre seasoning infuses the meat with flavor. Heat a large, deep skillet over medium high heat and add the meat mixture along with the diced green bell pepper and sweet onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it apart into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.

Add the Garlic:

Stir in the freshly minced garlic cloves and cook for one minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic; cooking until fragrant releases its flavor without bitterness.

Combine Liquids and Bring to Boil:

Pour in the beef broth and marinara sauce. Stir to mix everything evenly and bring the mixture to a boil. This ensures the rice will cook properly in the flavorful liquid.

Incorporate the Rice:

Add the long grain white rice and stir well to coat the grains with the sauce. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed so it cooks uniformly.

Simmer Covered:

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom or clumping. The rice is done when tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated.

Add Cheese and Melt:

Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt into the hot casserole for creaminess. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover again, and let it melt for a few minutes so you get a bubbly, cheesy topping.

Serve Immediately:

Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy the comforting flavors.

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Parmesan cheese is my favorite ingredient here because freshly grating it right before cooking truly elevates the dish. It melts better and gives a creamier texture than pre grated bottles. A memorable family moment with this casserole was when my kids insisted I make it for their friends visiting one weekend. It disappeared quickly, and everyone asked for the recipe afterward.

Storage Tips

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can gently reheat it in the microwave or oven to keep the cheesy texture intact without drying it out.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground Italian sausage works well instead of beef if you want a spicier, more robust flavor. If you don’t have sweet onions, yellow onions will do but expect a slightly sharper bite. For a lighter version, use low fat cheeses and substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with garlic bread or warm breadsticks to soak up extra sauce. A fresh green salad with vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast to the creamy casserole. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans make a balanced side.

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This casserole is a simple, satisfying weeknight meal that reheats well. Adjust seasonings and liquid as needed to get your preferred sauciness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use quick cooking rice instead of regular rice?

Yes, quick cooking rice works well but will result in a saucier dish. To adjust, reduce the beef broth by about a cup.

→ How can I speed up the cooking process?

Skip mixing the meat with seasonings before cooking and simply season the ground beef in the skillet while browning it.

→ What side dishes pair well with this meal?

Garlic bread, breadsticks, fresh salad, or steamed vegetables all complement the hearty Italian flavors nicely.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Is it possible to freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Prepare a second batch and freeze convenient portions for later meals.