Ground Beef Casserole (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 1 pound ground beef.
02 - 1 small sweet onion, small diced.
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced.
04 - 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of celery soup.
05 - 1 ½ cups beef stock.
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
07 - 1 teaspoon onion powder.
08 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
09 - 1 teaspoon paprika.
10 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
11 - ½ teaspoon black pepper.
12 - 1 cup instant rice.
13 - 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables.
14 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F, spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
02 - In a dutch oven or large skillet with deep sides over medium heat, add 1 pound ground beef and 1 small sweet onion, small diced. Break up the beef into crumbles, stirring often until there is no pink left, and the onions have softened - about 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
03 - Add 4 cloves garlic, minced, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, and take off the heat.
04 - Stir in 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of celery soup, 1 ½ cups beef stock, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
05 - Add 1 cup instant rice and 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables and stir to combine. Add the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
06 - Top with 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and cover with nonstick foil. Bake for 45 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
07 - Uncover and place under the broiler to lightly brown the cheese. Top with some dried or fresh parsley (optional) and serve!.

Notes:

01 - Browning the cheese under the broiler adds a nice texture and flavor.