Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy weeknight dinner that combines savory beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly baked to a golden bubbly finish, it’s a one-dish meal your family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1/2 cup milk or beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Step 5: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix well to combine.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Step 8: Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping if desired.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped parsley if using and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom for a slightly different flavor.
• Try adding cooked vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. To keep the cheese topping crispy, reheat uncovered in the oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely. Use cooked brown rice, but note it may change the texture slightly and could require a longer bake time to heat through completely.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 67 reviews

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish, combining savory browned ground beef, fluffy cooked rice, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy-to-make baked casserole perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a flavorful and satisfying meal for the whole family.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1/2 cup milk or beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish

• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking.
2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef and diced onion until the meat is fully browned and the onion becomes soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish leaner.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it releases its fragrant aroma.
4. Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper, creating a smooth and flavorful sauce.
5. Assemble casserole: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, browned beef mixture, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the prepared sauce. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
6. Top and bake: Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
7. Finish baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and turns golden brown.
8. Optional broiling: For a crispy cheese topping, switch your oven to broil and cook the casserole uncovered for 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
9. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve the casserole hot for a comforting and delicious meal.

Notes

• You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
• Using beef broth instead of milk will create a richer sauce with a deeper savory taste.
• For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and lean ground beef with minimal fat content.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture can increase the nutritional value and add extra flavor.

Keywords: Cheesy casserole, ground beef casserole, rice casserole, baked casserole, comfort food, easy dinner recipe