Beef, Broccoli, and Cheese Casserole

My recipe for Beef, Broccoli, and Cheese Casserole was adapted from a recipe in the cookbook, "Healthy Treasures Cookbook" by Annette Reeder.  If you have read any of my other blogs, you probably already know that I love this cookbook! It has great ideas for easy and healthy meals that everyone will love.  These type of casseroles are great because the vegetables, grains, and protein are all-in-one, so it's not necessary to prepare sides with it.  I hope you try it soon!

Beef, Broccoli, and Cheese Casserole
(serves 4-6)

Ingredients:
1 c. uncooked brown rice
2 c. water
1/2 Tbsp butter
1 lb. grass-fed (local and/or organic) ground beef
1 medium onion - chopped
1/2 c. mushrooms, sliced
1/4 c. bell peppers - chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 c. fresh or frozen broccoli
2 c. cheddar cheese - shredded
1 tsp sea salt
2 Tbsp parmesan cheese

Directions:
1. Begin by cooking the rice per the package instructions or add the rice and water to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.  Once it begins boiling, drop the heat down to low and put a lid on the saucepan (to simmer).  Simmer on low for about 40 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the water.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Chop up the onions, peppers, and garlic and slice the mushrooms.

3. Melt the butter in a large skillet on medium heat.  Cook the beef, onions, peppers, garlic, and mushrooms until the beef is no longer pink.

4. If there is any grease left in the skillet, drain it out with a spoon.  Stir in the cooked rice, broccoli, sea salt, and cheddar cheese, until combined.

5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9" x 13" baking dish.  Sprinkle the top with parmesan cheese.

6. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, uncovered.  Enjoy!!