Cheesy Italian Beef Bake

Cheesy Italian Rice Casserole with ground beef, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella is a comforting one pot meal that never fails to please the family. It combines classic Italian flavors with a simple cooking process that makes weeknight dinners a breeze. The layers of cheese, meat, and tender rice come together in under an hour for a filling and satisfying dish.

I first made this recipe when I needed a quick dinner solution, and now it’s a staple. Every time I serve it, my family asks for seconds and sometimes even thirds because it hits that perfect cozy spot.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: provides hearty protein and can be swapped for Italian sausage for a spicier kick
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: grating it fresh gives creamier texture and better flavor than pre grated options
• Garlic powder and onion powder: essential for building deep savory layers without chopping
• Green bell pepper: adds subtle sweetness and crunch but feel free to omit if you prefer
• Small sweet onion: milder and less pungent than yellow onions perfect for balancing the flavors
• Fresh garlic cloves: freshly minced gives the best aroma and taste
• Beef broth: choice of low or no sodium options to control saltiness and add richness
• Marinara sauce: a full 32 ounce jar is needed for enough sauce homemade or store bought works well
• Long grain white rice: absorbs the flavors and cooks to tender perfection during simmering
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: divided use for melty gooey cheesy goodness on top and mixed in

Instructions

Sear the Beef and Vegetables:

In a medium bowl combine ground beef freshly grated parmesan cheese garlic powder onion powder salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all seasonings are evenly incorporated. In a large deep skillet over medium high heat add this beef mixture along with the diced green bell pepper and small diced sweet onion. Cook breaking up the meat with a spoon until the beef has lost its pink color. Drain any excess grease carefully.

Add Garlic and Simmer the Sauce:

To the skillet add the freshly minced garlic cloves and sauté for one minute until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth and entire jar of marinara sauce stirring to combine everything well. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil letting the flavors meld together.

Incorporate the Rice and Cook Through:

Add the long grain white rice straight into the simmering sauce. Stir thoroughly so the rice is evenly distributed. Reduce the heat to low cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for about 25 to 30 minutes. It is important to stir every 10 minutes to ensure the rice doesn’t stick to the pan and cooks evenly. The dish is ready when the rice is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.

Finish with Cheese:

Remove the pan from heat and stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly on top. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt nicely from the residual heat.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve warm and enjoy the comforting blend of Italian flavors and melty cheese.

Freshly grated parmesan is my favorite part of this dish. It brings a richness that store bought grated cheese can’t match. One particular evening when unexpected guests showed up I whipped this casserole together quickly and it became the hit of the night. Everyone was surprised at how simple yet flavorful it was.

Storage Tips

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat warming slowly in the oven or microwave helps maintain the creamy cheese texture without drying out. If freezing portion the casserole into meal sized containers or foil pans and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap lean ground beef for ground Italian sausage to add a spicier flavor profile. Use quick cooking Minute Rice but reduce beef broth by about one cup to avoid excess liquid. Substitute marinara with your favorite homemade tomato sauce or other jarred brands but ensure you have at least 32 ounces. If you do not like bell peppers try mild diced zucchini or omit altogether. The flavors still hold great.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad and your favorite dressing for some fresh balance. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls complement the cheesy rice nicely. Steamed or roasted vegetables on the side add a nutritious boost and contrast in textures.

This casserole is cozy family friendly and perfect for busy weeknights. It reheats well and freezes beautifully for make ahead meals.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use quick cooking rice instead?

Yes, quick cooking rice works, but it may result in a saucier texture. Reduce beef broth by about one cup to adjust consistency.

→ How can I speed up the preparation time?

Skip mixing the beef with seasonings before cooking and season directly in the pan to save time and reduce dishes.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Garlic bread, salad, breadsticks, or steamed vegetables complement the flavors and round out the meal nicely.

→ How to store leftovers properly?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or microwave to retain flavor and texture.

→ Is it possible to freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months, making it convenient for future meals.