A delightful and flavorful baked rice dish with a spicy kick, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking and the right texture for your dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced green bell pepper, and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat.
Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Add the cooked rice, Mexican-style stewed tomatoes, tomato juice, salt, chili powder, ground mustard, and dried oregano to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly.
Combine well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Greasing the dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
Covering helps retain moisture and ensures even cooking.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a golden crust, broil for the last 2 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Spicy Beef and Rice Bake!
Letting it rest allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier.