Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready once the casserole is assembled

Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of beef broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked through but not mushy. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent greasiness.

Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the diced green bell pepper (if using) and cook for another 2-3 minutes to soften. Add Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to coat the beef and vegetables with all the seasonings. Incorporate Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine all the ingredients. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Assemble the Casserole: Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked rice until it’s fully combined with the beef mixture. If you want extra creaminess, stir in the milk and sour cream at this stage.

Add the Cheese: Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt slightly from the residual heat. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Transfer to a Casserole Dish Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Spread the beef and rice mixture evenly in the dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Add Toppings: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese over the casserole.

Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. If you want extra crispiness on the topping, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.