Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines all your favorite ingredients into one easy meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to feed a group without much fuss. This casserole is not only delicious but also filling, making it a great choice for family dinners. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
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 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- 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.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble: In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix well to combine.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Finish baking: Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Serve this casserole hot from the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or some hot sauce on top for extra flavor.
How to Store Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Tips to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat, but you can also opt for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Feel free to mix in some vegetables like peas or bell peppers to add more nutrients and flavor.
- If you love extra cheese, add more cheese on top before baking!
Variation
You can easily customize this casserole; try using different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist. You can also substitute the cream soup with a homemade cheese sauce for a creamier texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, you can use brown rice. Just make sure it’s cooked before adding it to the casserole.Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a mix of black beans, corn, or diced vegetables.How long does it take to make this casserole?
The whole process takes about 45 minutes, including preparation and baking time.
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
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 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- 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.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix well to combine.
Baking
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.