Description
This hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole combines ground beef, jasmine rice, colorful bell peppers, and a blend of spices simmered together in a savory tomato and chicken broth base. Finished with fresh spinach and melted Mexican cheese, it’s an all-in-one comforting meal perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 1/4 cup jasmine rice, uncooked
- 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chopped spinach
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese, divided
Spices
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Add Onion: Add the diced red onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Beef: Stir in the minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Add Bell Peppers: Add the diced red and green bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes to slightly soften them.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the jasmine rice, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, low sodium chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, frozen corn, black beans, and half of the shredded Mexican cheese.
- Bring to Boil: Increase heat slightly to bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Cover and Cook: Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, ensuring the rice cooks fully without burning by maintaining low heat.
- Add Spinach: Once rice is tender, stir in the chopped spinach until wilted and evenly distributed.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded Mexican cheese over the top, cover, and allow the cheese to melt for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Ensure the heat is kept low during simmering so the rice cooks evenly without sticking.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
- This casserole can be made ahead and reheated; it thickens as it sits, so add a splash of broth when reheating if needed.
