Savory Kidney Bean Hamburger Bake: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds of ground beef
• 1 ½ cups of finely chopped onion
• ½ cup of diced bell pepper
• A clove of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 ½ cups of water
• ¾ cup of raw white rice
• One can (16 ounces) of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• One can (14.5 ounces) of whole peeled tomatoes, roughly chopped
• ¾ cup of grated American cheese
• ⅓ cup of sliced black olives

Step 1

To kick-start the culinary magic, let's preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Meanwhile, in a large skillet sizzling over medium-high heat, dance with the beef until it transforms into a tantalizing brown and crumbly texture, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Bid farewell to any excess grease that may try to linger around.

Step 2

Now, let's invite some delightful companions to the party - onion, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt. Saute this merry mix with the beef until the onion turns soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

In a separate enchanted saucepan, bring water and rice to a lively boil. Once the water is bubbling with excitement, lower the heat to a gentle medium-low, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer until it reaches a tender state, absorbing all the liquid love along the way, which should take about 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 4

As the rice reaches its peak of perfection, introduce kidney beans and tomatoes to the beef medley. Blend in the cooked rice harmoniously, and transfer this symphony of flavors into a generously sized casserole dish. Sprinkle the crown jewels of American cheese and olives on top, creating a masterpiece ready to be baked.

Step 5

Place this culinary artwork into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake until the cheese forms a golden halo around the edges, a process that usually takes around 45 to 50 minutes. Embrace the tantalizing aromas that will fill your kitchen as this savory creation reaches its full potential.