Minced Beef and Cheese Rice Gratin

Introduction

Few comfort foods compare to a bubbling Minced Beef and Cheese Rice Gratin. This dish transforms pantry staples into a rich, savory bake with layers of tender beef, creamy cheese sauce, and fluffy rice—making it the perfect weeknight or potluck meal when you want both simplicity and satisfaction. The golden, cheesy crust over a hearty filling is irresistibly crowd-pleasing and brings an indulgent touch to family tables.

Why You’ll Love This Minced Beef and Cheese Rice Gratin

This gratin delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Juicy minced beef gets seasoned and simmered with vegetables before being nestled onto a bed of fluffy rice, topped with an ultra-creamy cheese sauce, and then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a wonderfully customizable dish—swap in your veggies, vary your cheese, or make it ahead for meal prep convenience. Plus, it’s a one-dish delight that satisfies both picky eaters and gourmet palates.

Layering Flavors for Richness

The foundation of this gratin starts with well-seasoned minced beef, gently sautéed with onions and chosen vegetables. For best results and even cooking, use a sturdy nonstick skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, which ensures nothing sticks and cleanup is minimal. When prepping your vegetables, the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper speeds up the process with perfect uniformity.

Let the flavors meld by simmering the mixture, infusing the beef with seasoning and tenderizing any extra add-ins you choose, like mushrooms or bell peppers.

Baking the Perfect Cheese Rice Gratin

After preparing your rice—fluffy, short-grain types work best—spread it in a buttered baking dish. Top with the rich beef mixture, then smother everything with a blanket of cheese sauce. If you love extra cheesiness, mix up your blend: mozzarella for stretch, cheddar for sharpness, and parmesan for a nutty finish.

Before baking, lining your casserole dish with a cut sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll can help keep those delicious cheesy edges from sticking and make cleanup a snap. Bake until a bubbling, golden crust forms—usually 20–25 minutes.

Serving Suggestions and Make-Ahead Tips

Garnish your gratin fresh out of the oven with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor. You can easily portion any leftovers into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy, mess-free lunches.

This gratin is a meal on its own but pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. To reheat, simply use the microwave or cover with foil and warm in the oven until heated through.

Nutrition and Servings

This recipe comfortably serves six people as a hearty main. Each serving contains roughly 470–520 calories depending on the cheese and beef you use. The dish is filling, creamy, and full of protein—ideal for feeding a hungry gathering or fueling a busy week.

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish, or line it with a strip from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for zero-stress cleanup.
2. In a large SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher. Cook until browned and no pink remains.
3. Stir in the chopped vegetables and herbs. Cook for 3–4 minutes, then season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
4. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until a smooth, thickened sauce forms. Remove from heat and stir in half the cheese until melted.
5. Spread the cooked rice in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Distribute the beef mixture evenly on top, followed by the warm cheese sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. For safety, handle the hot dish with a KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set.
7. Let stand 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve hot.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Recap: Minced Beef and Cheese Rice Gratin

The Minced Beef and Cheese Rice Gratin is a celebration of creamy comfort and savory satisfaction. With beautifully layered flavors and that signature golden cheese crust, it’s a heartwarming meal that’s sure to earn a place in your regular rotation—ideal for family dinners, gatherings, and any time you crave rich, one-dish bliss.