Minced Beef and Cheese Rice Gratin

Introduction

Few comfort foods rival the satisfaction of a bubbling Minced Beef and Cheese Rice Gratin. With layers of savory beef, fluffy rice, and velvety cheese, each creamy forkful delivers a perfect blend of textures and bold flavors. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—ideal for cozy family dinners or when you’re looking for an easy meal that can be made ahead and served up bubbling and golden at the table.

Why Minced Beef and Cheese Rice Gratin is a Winning Weeknight Choice

This gratin’s charm lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Mild, nutty rice provides the perfect base for a saucy meat mixture, with stretchy, bubbling cheese holding it all together. The result: a deeply satisfying oven-baked casserole that’s equally delicious as leftovers for lunch. It’s hearty without being heavy, and you control the flavor profile—spicy, Italian-inspired, or classic—according to your family’s taste.

Prepping the Ingredients for Optimal Flavor

Efficiency is key to getting dinner on the table quickly. Take the hassle out of prepping onions, carrots, and other veggies by chopping them with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, which ensures uniform pieces that cook evenly and melt seamlessly into your sauce.

For the minced beef, use a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher in your skillet for finely crumbled beef that integrates perfectly with the rice and cheese layers, preventing large clumps and ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

Layering and Baking for the Best Gratin Texture

Once your meat and vegetables are cooked, combine them with cooked rice and half of your cheese. Spread this hearty mix in a baking dish lined with a strip from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll—not only does it make cleanup a breeze, but it also prevents sticking and ensures neat slices when serving.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, dot with butter or drizzle with olive oil from a YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking, and bake until golden, bubbling, and irresistible.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Let your gratin rest for a few minutes before slicing; this allows the cheese to set slightly so each serving holds together. If prepping ahead, portion leftovers into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy reheating and transport—these are leak-proof and microwave safe, perfect for busy weekdays.

Complete your meal with a crisp green salad and a glass of water in a Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler for a well-rounded, satisfying dinner.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 6 generous portions. Each serving typically provides 420–500 calories, with plenty of protein, calcium, and essential vitamins from the hidden vegetables. For a lighter version, opt for reduced-fat cheese and leaner beef or ground turkey.

Minced Beef and Cheese Rice Gratin: The Perfect Balance of Comfort and Ease

Rich, cheesy, and endlessly versatile, this gratin is destined to become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s a dish that bridges the gap between nostalgic comfort food and practical, modern-weeknight cooking—with every forkful as satisfying as the last.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the rice according to package directions. Set aside.
3. Using a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, dice onion and carrot for speedy and uniform prep.
4. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch. Add onion, carrot, and garlic, and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
5. Add minced beef, breaking it up with a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher. Cook until beef is browned and no longer pink.
6. Stir in tomato paste (or tomato sauce), oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in milk or cream, and simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Remove from the heat. Add the cooked rice and half the cheese to the beef mixture, stirring to combine.
8. Line a medium baking dish with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll.
9. Spread the beef and rice mixture into the dish, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the surface. For an extra crispy finish, spritz the top lightly with olive oil using a YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking.
10. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Top with parsley to serve.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour