Maltese Baked Rice with Meat and Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice
• 1 lb (450g) beef or lamb, cut into small pieces 1 lb (450g) beef or lamb, cut into small pieces
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups (200g) grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) 2 cups (200g) grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the meat to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   In a separate pot, cook the rice according to the package instructions until it is slightly undercooked. Drain any excess water.
6. 6.
   Grease a baking dish and spread half of the cooked rice evenly on the bottom.
7. 7.
   Pour half of the meat and tomato sauce mixture over the rice.
8. 8.
   Repeat the layers with the remaining rice and sauce.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top layer.
10. 10.
    Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
11. 11.
    Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
12. 12.
    Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Be sure to slightly undercook the rice before layering it in the casserole dish. This will prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
• Meat — For the best results, choose tender cuts of beef or lamb and cut them into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Cheese — Opt for a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to achieve a gooey and golden crust on top of the casserole.

Tips & Tricks

• You can add a layer of sliced tomatoes or bell peppers between the rice and meat layers for added freshness and flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce mixture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an equally delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Maltese Baked Rice with Meat and Cheese hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or a side of crusty bread.

Presentation advice

To make the dish visually appealing, garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top before serving. The golden crust of melted cheese will also add an inviting touch.