Friday, February 20, 2026

Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 3 medium green bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 large sweet onion, chopped
  • 4 medium cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound 90%-lean ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon ground pepper, plus more for garnish
  • 6 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 2 (8.8-ounce) packages microwavable brown rice
  • 1 cup unsalted beef broth
  • 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup shredded sharp provolone cheese
  • Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish (optional)

  1. Position oven rack in upper third; preheat to 400°F. 
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over high heat. 
  3. Add chopped bell peppers, chopped onion and minced garlic; cook, stirring often, until softened and lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. 
  4. Transfer the vegetables to a plate. 
  5. Do not wipe the skillet clean.
  6. Add 1 pound ground beef, 2 teaspoons oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon pepper and the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet.
  7.  Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often to crumble the beef, until cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. 
  8. Add softened cream cheese; stir until melted and incorporated, about 1 minute. 
  9. Remove from heat and stir in 2 packages brown rice, 1 cup broth, 4 teaspoons Worcestershire and the reserved vegetable mixture until evenly combined.
  10. Cover the skillet with foil. 
  11. Bake on the upper rack until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded, about 15 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with 1 cup provolone. 
  12. Increase oven temperature to broil; broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 3 to 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and additional pepper, if desired.

To make ahead

Assemble through Step 2 up to 1 day in advance; cover and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature while oven preheats before proceeding with Step 3.

Serving Size: about 1⅓ cups Calories 483