This dish is a crowd-pleaser, featuring seasoned rice, a savory meat filling, and a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Ingredients
1. The Rice Base
- 2 cups Long-grain or Basmati rice (washed and drained)
- 3 cups Chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp Butter or ghee
- Salt & Pepper to taste
2. The Beef Filling (Sautéed Meat)
- 500g (1 lb) Ground beef
- 1 large Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- Spices: 1 tsp Salt, ½ tsp Black pepper, 1 tsp Paprika, ½ tsp Allspice, and a pinch of Cinnamon.
3. The Topping (Béchamel & Cheese)
- 3 cups Milk
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp Butter
- Pinch of Nutmeg and Salt
- 1.5 cups Shredded Mozzarella cheese (for that golden crust)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
In a pot, melt the butter and quickly sauté the rice for 1 minute. Add the broth (or water), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
In a large skillet, sauté the onion until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and all the spices. Add about ¼ cup of water to keep it moist, let it simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the 3 tbsp of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute (don’t let it brown). Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg.
Assembling the Casserole
To achieve the beautiful layers seen in your photo, use a deep glass baking dish (Pyrex):
- Bottom Layer: Spread half of the cooked rice and press it down firmly.
- Middle Layer: Spread the entire beef mixture evenly over the rice.
- Top Layer: Add the remaining rice over the beef, smoothing the surface.
- The Finish: Pour the Béchamel sauce over the top and sprinkle a generous layer of Mozzarella cheese.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the ingredients are heated through.
- Turn on the broiler (top heat) for the last 3–5 minutes to get that perfect golden-brown cheese crust.
