Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking.
- 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.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it releases its fragrant aroma.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finish baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and turns golden brown.
- 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.
- 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
