This comforting casserole combines rich, savory flavors with cheesy goodness in every bite, instantly reminding me of cozy family dinners. I love how this recipe levels up a simple rice dish with its hearty layers and the perfect blend of spices, making it a go-to comfort food.
Doria de Carne is a comforting dish I cherish. It combines savory ground beef with the sweetness of diced tomatoes and the aromatics of garlic and onion.
The topping, a standard béchamel made with butter, flour, and milk, is finished with mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s nice and creamy, a truly satisfying meal over rice.
Ingredients
Rice: Rich in carbohydrates for energy; a staple base for numerous dishes.
Beef that has been ground: Contains a lot of protein; contributes to deep, savory flavor.
Onion: Provides depth and sweetness; is rich in antioxidants.
Garlic: Intensify flavor with a punch; allicin and garlic health benefits.
Tomatoes, diced: Add freshness and acidity; loaded with vitamin C.
Olive Oil: Fat that is good for you; makes food taste and feel great.
Milk: Contributes to the creamy texture.
Adds calcium and vitamins.
The following is about different types of cheese and their tastes and qualities:
Parmesan cheese
Salty and nutty; high in protein and calcium.
Mozzarella Cheese: Smoothly melts, adding a gooey texture and a mild taste.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 300g ground beef
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to heat up.
2. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion turns translucent.
3. In the skillet, ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper; let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute.
5. Slowly blend the milk into the sauce while it is cooking until it thickens. Sauce off the heat, and blend into it half of the cheese.
6. Evenly spread the cooked rice across the bottom of a baking dish.
7. Spread the meat mixture over the rice, distributing it evenly all the while. Then spread the white sauce over the meat layer.
8. Mozzarella and the rest of the Parmesan are sprinkled on top.
9. In the preheated oven, bake for approximately 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
10. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Large skillet
3. Medium-sized saucepan
4. Baking dish
5. Stirring spoon
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Measuring spoons
9. Measuring cups
FAQ
- What is Meat Doria?Savory baked rice casserole with rich meaty tomato sauce and creamy bechamel topping, this American-japanese dish traditionally enjoyed in Japan and elsewhere, can be made in an hour. With a little help from the oven, enjoy the Italian flavors of meat doria in half that time.
- Can I use a different type of meat?You can replace ground beef with ground pork or chicken, depending on your taste.
- Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?To make it so that the dish is vegetarian, you can swap out the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance?Absolutely, the parts can be prepped in advance. The dish can be put together and popped in the oven whenever you’re ready. Or you can throw it in the oven for a second round just before serving.
- What can I serve with Meat Doria?A side salad or steamed vegetables complements this dish nicely and rounds out the meal.
- How can I make it gluten-free?Utilize gluten-free flour in preparing the béchamel sauce, and verify that your soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce are free of gluten.
- How should leftovers be stored?Preserve uneaten portions in a sealed container in the cold storage for as long as 3 days after the initial meal. If you use the oven, set it to the low to medium range between 200 to 350 degrees F. A microwave will have a cooking range between low to high, about 10 to 100 percent in power.
Substitutions and Variations
Vegetable or canola oil: Use in equal amounts to substitute for olive oil.
Ground beef: Use ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.
Soy sauce: Substitute tamari for a gluten-free option, or use an equal amount of coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
Parmesan cheese—Substitute Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano, and you’ll have a different flavor profile altogether.
Mozzarella cheese: To replace it, use cheddar cheese for a more robust flavor, or opt for Monterey Jack, a similar cheese with a melty texture.
Pro Tips
1. Enhance Flavor: For extra depth of flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine or beef broth after browning the ground beef. This will lift any caramelized bits from the pan and enrich the meat mixture.
2. Rice Variation: Consider using a mix of white and brown rice or adding a bit of wild rice for added texture and flavor complexity. You can also add a dash of seasoning, like garlic powder, to the rice before layering.
3. Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add diced fresh chili peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. This will give the dish a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
4. Creamy Consistency: To prevent lumps when making the white sauce, whisk the flour and butter mixture continuously while adding the milk. Starting with room temperature milk can also help achieve a smoother consistency.
5. Cheese Upgrade: For a more indulgent topping, mix some breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese before baking. This will give you a crunchy, golden topping.
Meat Doria Recipe
My favorite Meat Doria Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Large skillet
3. Medium-sized saucepan
4. Baking dish
5. Stirring spoon
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Measuring spoons
9. Measuring cups
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 300g ground beef
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to heat up.
2. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion turns translucent.
3. In the skillet, ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper; let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute.
5. Slowly blend the milk into the sauce while it is cooking until it thickens. Sauce off the heat, and blend into it half of the cheese.
6. Evenly spread the cooked rice across the bottom of a baking dish.
7. Spread the meat mixture over the rice, distributing it evenly all the while. Then spread the white sauce over the meat layer.
8. Mozzarella and the rest of the Parmesan are sprinkled on top.
9. In the preheated oven, bake for approximately 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
10. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
