Cheesy Baked Rice with Minced Meat and Beans

This Cheesy Baked Rice with Minced Meat and Beans is a hearty, delicious, and comforting dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It combines flavorful minced meat with tender rice, nutritious beans, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese. Whether you’re using turkey, beef, or chicken, the dish is incredibly versatile and easy to make. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that saves time on cleanup! Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how to prepare this wholesome meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rice (about 150-180 g, preferably long grain)
  • 500 g minced meat (turkey, beef, or chicken)
  • 1 can (400-500 g) canned beans (red or white)
  • 1 can (400-500 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp Herbs de Provence
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive or vegetable oil for frying
  • 150-200 g grated cheese (e.g. mozzarella or cheddar)

How to Make It:

  1. Prepare the Rice: Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Use long-grain rice for this recipe, as it holds its shape well and won’t turn mushy. Once cooked, set the rice aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
  2. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced meat of your choice—turkey, beef, or chicken—and break it apart using a spatula. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the meat until browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Sauté the Onion: While the meat is cooking, finely chop the onion. Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add Flavor with Spices: Once the onion is softened, add the garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and Herbs de Provence. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
  5. Add Tomatoes and Beans: Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and the canned beans (drained and rinsed). Stir in the tomato paste if you want an extra boost of tomato flavor. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  6. Combine with the Meat: Return the cooked minced meat to the skillet with the tomato and bean mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the meat absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
  7. Layer the Rice and Meat Mixture: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large oven-safe baking dish, spread the cooked rice evenly across the bottom. Pour the meat and tomato mixture over the rice, spreading it out so the rice is fully covered.
  8. Add the Cheese: Generously sprinkle grated cheese over the top of the meat and rice mixture. You can use mozzarella for a stretchy, gooey texture or cheddar for a sharper, more pronounced flavor.
  9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
  10. Serve: Once the cheese has melted and turned a beautiful golden color, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty meal with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread on the side.

Nutrition Facts:

Nutrient Amount per Serving (Approx.)
Calories 450-500 kcal
Protein 30-35 g
Fat 20-25 g
Carbohydrates 35-40 g
Fiber 6-8 g
Sodium 600-700 mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes! This recipe works well with turkey, beef, or chicken, but you can also use ground lamb or pork if you prefer a different flavor profile.
  2. Can I use a different type of rice? While long-grain rice is recommended for its texture, you can use other types like basmati or jasmine. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as different rice varieties may require different cooking methods.
  3. What can I substitute for canned beans? If you prefer fresh or dried beans, you can cook them separately and then add them to the recipe. Make sure to soak and boil dried beans before adding them to the dish.
  4. Is this dish freezer-friendly? Yes! This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until thoroughly heated.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cheesy Baked Rice:

  1. Cook the rice just right:
    Avoid overcooking the rice. Since it will bake with the other ingredients, slightly undercooking the rice initially will help it remain firm and not turn mushy in the oven.
  2. Choose the right cheese:
    Mozzarella is perfect for a mild, gooey topping, but if you want a stronger flavor, try using cheddar or even a combination of both.
  3. Spice it up:
    If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
  4. Add some greens:
    If you want to boost the nutritional content, toss in some spinach or kale when adding the beans. The greens will wilt and blend beautifully into the dish.
  5. Tomato paste for depth:
    The tomato paste is optional, but it adds a richer, deeper tomato flavor to the dish, making it even more delicious.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration:
    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
  2. Freezing:
    If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.
  3. Reheating:
    To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quicker option.

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Baked Rice with Minced Meat and Beans is the ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Whether you’re using turkey, beef, or chicken, the combination of rice, beans, and a savory tomato sauce topped with melted cheese is a surefire hit. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a meal that’s quick to assemble and guaranteed to please the whole family. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that allows you to get creative with different meats, cheeses, and spices. Try it today and enjoy the comforting flavors of this hearty casserole-style meal!