German Hackfleisch Rice Casserole (Ground Beef and Rice Bake)

About This Recipe

This baked rice and ground beef casserole reflects the practical, filling style of German everyday home cooking, all the ingredients combining in one dish for a straightforward, minimal-cleanup family dinner. Ground beef is browned with onion and paprika before combining with rice, tomato and stock in a baking dish, the whole thing finished under a layer of melted cheese until bubbling and golden. A comforting, unfussy dish found in German households on busy weeknights, this casserole shows how simply combining a few good pantry staples can produce a satisfying, complete meal with very little active effort.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 500 gground beef
• 1onion(diced)
• 2 clovesgarlic(minced)
• 1 tbsppaprika
• 1.5 cupslong-grain rice(rinsed)
• 2 cupscrushed tomatoes
• 2 cupsbeef stock
• 1.5 tspsalt
• 1/2 tspblack pepper
• 1.5 cupsshredded gouda or cheddar cheese
• 2 tbspchopped parsley(for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Brown the beef

   Brown the ground beef with onion in a skillet, about 8 minutes, then add garlic and paprika, cooking 1 minute.

2. 2

   Combine

   Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish and stir in rinsed rice, crushed tomatoes, beef stock, salt and pepper.

3. 3

   Bake covered

   Cover with foil and bake at 190C/375F for 30 minutes.

   Keep the dish covered for most of the baking time so the rice has enough steam and liquid to cook through fully before uncovering for the cheese.

4. 4

   Add cheese

   Uncover, sprinkle cheese evenly over the top, and bake 8-10 more minutes until melted and bubbling.

5. 5

   Serve

   Garnish with parsley and serve hot straight from the dish.

Variations

• •

  Adding diced bell pepper to the beef mixture gives extra vegetables and color.

• •

  A version with ground pork mixed in gives a slightly richer flavor.

• •

  Using a mix of cheeses, like gouda and a bit of parmesan, adds extra depth.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 4 days in an airtight container; reheat covered in a 180C/350F oven or in the microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions