Baked Rice with Ground Beef

01Method

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 200°C and grease a large baking dish with oil.

2. 2

   Heat oil in a large pan, add the bacon and cook until it begins to brown.

3. 3

   Stir in the onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and bay leaf.

4. 4

   Increase the heat slightly, add the ground meat and cook while breaking it up with a spoon until browned and all liquid has evaporated.

5. 5

   Lower the heat, stir in the curry powder, rice, and tomato paste. Pour in the hot stock and tomato puree, season with salt, bring to a boil, and simmer for 10 minutes.

6. 6

   In a bowl, combine half the cheddar with the beaten eggs and a pinch each of salt and pepper.

7. 7

   Fold the egg and cheese mixture into the rice and stir well.

8. 8

   Transfer the rice to the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

9. 9

   After 20 minutes, stir the rice, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and all the parmesan over the top, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the surface is golden.

10. 10

    Remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before serving alongside a fresh green salad with simple vinaigrette.