Hearty Cheesy Minced Beef Rice Gratin: A Comfort Food Classic

Minced Beef and Cheese Rice Gratin

Introduction

When you crave an all-in-one comfort meal that’s bubbling, cheesy, and loaded with savory flavor, this Minced Beef and Cheese Rice Gratin hits the spot. Combining tender minced beef, fluffy rice, and a luscious cheese topping, it’s the ultimate dish for cozy family dinners or casual entertaining.

This recipe is an excellent way to transform everyday ingredients into something extraordinary, offering satisfying textures and flavors in every forkful.

What Makes Minced Beef and Cheese Rice Gratin Irresistible

What sets this gratin apart? The pairing of slightly crisped, aromatic minced beef with creamy, cheesy rice creates a dish that’s far from ordinary. The beef is sautéed to golden perfection, the rice soaks up all the sumptuous flavors, and a generous layer of cheese forms a melty, golden crust that’s pure heaven.

The best part: This gratin is a complete meal, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum impact.

Prepping Vegetables and Rice Like a Pro

Chopping onions and bell peppers efficiently can make all the difference. Speed through prep work by using a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for even, quick dicing. When prepping rice, opting for freshly cooked or leftover rice ensures the gratin stays fluffy and light.

Sauté your vegetables in a reliable nonstick skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch for even browning and easy cleanup.

The Art of Layering Your Gratin

Once your components are prepped, the real magic happens in the layering. Spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the rice base, sprinkle with your favorite cheese, and bake until bubbly. For perfect, even layers, a quality spatula or meat masher, like the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, works wonders to distribute and break up the minced beef.

Lining your baking dish with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll ensures the gratin lifts out easily for serving.

Serving and Storing Like a Chef

Slice portions neatly and serve directly from the casserole, or pack leftovers into an airtight container. Using Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 keeps everything fresh and easy to reheat for the next day’s lunch.

Pair your gratin with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a wholesome, complete meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This Minced Beef and Cheese Rice Gratin serves 4 to 6, depending on portion size. Each serving typically provides approximately 400–500 calories, with a balance of protein, carbs, and the indulgence of creamy, melted cheese. Enjoy in moderation as a hearty, filling main course.

Minced Beef and Cheese Rice Gratin (Recap)

This recipe fuses the irresistible flavors of tender beef, creamy rice, and golden cheese into an easy, crowd-pleasing gratin. With simple steps, a bit of layering, and just the right kitchen tools, you’ll serve up a baked dish sure to win over any table.

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) minced beef
2 cups cooked white rice (fresh or leftover)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy serving and cleanup.
  2. Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to prep your onion and bell pepper. Set aside.
  3. Heat the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium heat. Add olive oil. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic for 2–3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
  4. Add minced beef. Use the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher to break beef into small pieces as it browns. Cook until no longer pink and moisture has evaporated.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, soy sauce, broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
  6. Spread cooked rice in an even layer in your prepared baking dish. Spoon beef mixture on top, smoothing out for even coverage.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the beef layer.
  8. Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep fresh.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Enjoy this no-fuss, family-friendly Minced Beef and Cheese Rice Gratin tonight—oozing with cheese, brimming with flavor, and made with kitchen efficiency in mind!

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