Layered Beef and Rice Bake

A comforting, low-FODMAP and low-residue friendly casserole featuring lean ground beef, tender white rice, and a medley of peeled and deseeded vegetables, all baked in a savory broth with subtle Italian herbs.
- Prep: 25 min
- Cook: 55 min
- Total: 1 hr 20 min
- Servings: 6
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
Dietary
- Low-FODMAP
- Low-Residue
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
- Nut-Free
- Egg-Free
- High-Protein
- Low-Sugar
- Low-Saturated-Fat
- Low-Fat
- Low-Sodium
- Low-Cholesterol
- Low-Calorie
Tags
- bake
- comfort food
- healthy
- budget-friendly
- savory
- kid-friendly
Ingredients
- 1.5 pound ground beef (lean)
- 1 tablespoon garlic-infused olive oil
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 1 red bell pepper (medium, peeled, deseeded, and diced)
- 2 carrots (medium, peeled and diced)
- 1 zucchini (medium, peeled and diced)
- 1.5 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 0.25 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon garlic-infused olive oil over medium heat. Add the 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the diced red bell pepper, diced carrots, and diced zucchini. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the 1 cup white rice, 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth, 1/4 cup tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then transfer to the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from oven and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure all vegetables are peeled and deseeded as per low-residue diet requirements. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg