Hamburger Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups long grain white rice (to equal 3 cups cooked rice) (plus water to cook and 1 teaspoon salt)
• 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium sweet onion (diced)
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tsp seasoned salt
• 1 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dark chili powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups low sodium beef stock or beef broth
• 1 10 oz can cheddar cheese soup (OR 8 oz Cheez Whiz)
• 1 10 oz can diced Rotel tomatoes (Use mild or hot)
• 1/2 cup ketchup OR canned tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
• 2 cups shredded colby jack cheese
• chopped parsley for garnishing

Instructions

1. 1

   How to Make Rice: In a large bring long grain rice and 3 cups of water seasoned with one teaspoon salt to a boil. Once boiling, cover and lower the heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until tender and the liquid is absorbed. Set aside. (This can be made up to two days in advance and kept in the refrigerator for a timesaver.)

2. 2

   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a large 12-inch Dutch oven or baking dish with cooking spray. (If using an oven safe skillet, skip this step.)

3. 3

   Make the Filling: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until no pink remains, around 8 minutes. Drain excess grease from skillet then add garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes longer. Turn the heat to low,

4. 4

   To the skillet add seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, chili powder and black pepper. Mix to combine over low heat.

5. 5

   Next, add beef stock, cheddar cheese soup, Rotel tomatoes, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until fully combined.

6. 6

   Add peas and carrots and cooked rice. Remove the pan from the heat, stirring to combine. Add 1 cup colby jack cheese, mix to evenly distribute. Pour into the prepared dish.

7. 7

   Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and the cheese has melted and is light golden brown.

8. 8

   Serve immediately garnished with chopped parsley.