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This cheesy ranch ground beef and rice casserole is easy to make. It combines ground beef, rice, and ranch flavors. This dish is filling and great for family dinners. You can find the full recipe above. Here is what you need to make this dish: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup uncooked white rice - 2 cups beef broth - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn) - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish: - Ground beef adds protein and richness. It gives a hearty base. - White rice absorbs flavors and fills you up. It creates a nice texture. - Beef broth adds moisture and depth to the dish. It enhances the beef flavor. - Ranch seasoning mix brings a burst of flavor. It adds a tangy twist. - Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, making every bite creamy and cheesy. - Frozen mixed vegetables add color and nutrients. They make the dish more balanced. - Onion and garlic provide a great aroma and base flavor. They make the dish tasty. - Olive oil helps sauté the vegetables and beef. It adds healthy fats. - Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. They bring everything together. - Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness when serving. Understanding these ingredients helps you appreciate the dish even more. Enjoy preparing this cheesy ranch delight! First, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup uncooked white rice - 2 cups beef broth - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps ensure even cooking. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. The smell will be amazing! Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef until no pink remains. If there's excess fat, drain it. This keeps your casserole from being greasy. Next, stir in the ranch seasoning mix, uncooked rice, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 15 minutes. The rice will absorb most of the broth during this time. After 15 minutes, add in the frozen mixed vegetables and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix it all together and season with salt and pepper to taste. Now it’s time to assemble your casserole. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese. This will give you that melty, cheesy goodness everyone loves. Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. Once done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your cheesy ranch ground beef and rice casserole delight! For the complete cooking details, see the Full Recipe. When making Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, avoid these missteps: - Don’t skip the browning: Browning the beef adds rich flavor. - Watch the rice: Make sure the rice is fully cooked before baking. - Use enough liquid: The beef broth is key for moist rice. - Overcrowding the pan: Cook the beef in batches if your skillet is small. To make your casserole even tastier, try these tips: - Add spices: A pinch of paprika or cayenne adds a nice kick. - Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley or chives brighten the dish. - Mix in a splash of Worcestershire sauce: It deepens the umami flavor. - Experiment with cheese: Blend different cheeses for extra richness. If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! Here are some great swaps: - Ground beef: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. - Beef broth: Vegetable broth works just as well for a lighter taste. - Frozen vegetables: Fresh veggies can replace frozen ones; just chop them small. - Ranch seasoning: Mix equal parts of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill. These tips will help you create a delicious Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. For the full recipe, refer back to the beginning of this article. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground beef for other proteins. Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. They bring a different taste while keeping the dish hearty. If you're feeling adventurous, use ground lamb or pork. Both give a nice twist to the classic flavor. You can also use diced chicken breast for a healthier choice. To make this casserole vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a mix of beans. Black beans or kidney beans work well. You can also add lentils for extra protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the flavor rich. For a cheesy touch, add more cheddar cheese or try a dairy-free option. You can easily adjust the flavor of your casserole. For a kick, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Mix in some spices like cumin or paprika for a different taste. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the dish. If you love cheese, try mixing different types, like pepper jack or mozzarella, for extra creaminess. For more details on making this dish, check the Full Recipe. To keep your Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool before sealing. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. If you have extra servings, it’s best to store them separately. You can freeze this casserole for later use. First, let it cool completely. Cut it into portions for easy thawing. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay good for about three months. Remember to label the bags with the date and contents. To reheat, take the casserole out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. If you want it extra cheesy, uncover it for the last five minutes. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating, but the oven gives better results. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Yes, you can use brown rice. It adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. However, brown rice takes longer to cook. You will need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of broth. I recommend cooking brown rice separately, then mixing it in later. If you don’t have ranch seasoning, use these items: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried dill - 1 teaspoon dried parsley Mix these together for a great flavor. You can also try Italian seasoning for a twist. The casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave until hot. Enjoy it again just like the first time! This blog post covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips. We explored variations and storage info to keep your dish fresh. Remember, the right ingredients make a big difference. By following these steps, you can create a tasty meal that suits any need. Don’t forget to enjoy the process and tweak recipes to your liking. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Whip up a delicious Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole that the whole family will love! This easy recipe combines savory ground beef, hearty rice, and a pop of ranch flavor, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a comforting dinner, it's packed with veggies and ready in just 50 minutes. Click to explore the full recipe and make mealtime memorable with this flavorful dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

1 cup uncooked white rice

2 cups beef broth

1 packet ranch seasoning mix

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes.

      Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

        Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

          Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, uncooked rice, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice absorbs most of the broth.

            Once the rice is nearly cooked, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Top evenly with the remaining cheddar cheese.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                  Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6