Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s sure to please the whole family.

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: Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
3. Step 3: Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Step 5: Assemble: In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix well to combine.
6. Step 6: Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Step 7: Finish baking: Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Step 8: Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping.
9. Step 9: Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
• Try using brown rice or quinoa as a healthier grain alternative.
• Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra veggies.
• Use a sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend depending on your preference.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check the label on the cream of mushroom soup to ensure it does not contain gluten.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 551 reviews

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal combining savory browned ground beef, fluffy white rice, creamy mushroom soup, and melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this casserole is baked to bubbly perfection with a golden cheesy top.

• Author: Caleb
• 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

Main 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. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat from the pan for a leaner dish.
3. Add Garlic: Stir minced garlic into the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the meat mixture.
4. Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a creamy, 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 everything together thoroughly for an even distribution of flavors.
6. Add Cheese Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
7. Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to become bubbly and golden brown.
8. Optional Broil: For an extra crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for 2 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning.
9. Serve: Garnish the hot casserole with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

• You can substitute cream of chicken soup if preferred or for a different flavor.
• For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and lean ground turkey instead of beef.
• Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Add some vegetables like peas or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value.

Keywords: ground beef casserole, cheesy rice casserole, easy weeknight dinner, baked casserole, comfort food, beef and rice