Instructions

Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a large baking dish with oil or cooking spray.

Cook the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring often.
Add the ground beef, breaking it up, and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in diced/crushed tomatoes, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Simmer on low heat for 5–10 minutes to blend the flavors.

Combine with Rice
Remove from heat and stir in the cooked rice until fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef and rice mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Top generously with grated cheese.

Bake
Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy warm with a salad, steamed veggies, or crusty bread.

Tips for Success

Cheese Options: Mozzarella + cheddar for melty flavor; Parmesan for extra richness.

Rice Variations: Substitute with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.

Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the beef mixture for heat.

Storage: Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.

Freezing: Assemble, cover, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking.

Why You’ll Love It
Rich, cheesy, satisfying comfort food that’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. Great for feeding families, potlucks, or meal prep.