Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Why make this recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings families together around the dinner table. It’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. The combination of ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a one-dish recipe, which means less cleanup for you!

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:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble: In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix well to combine.
6. Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Finish baking: Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping.
9. 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 for a filling meal. You can accompany it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. It’s also great for leftovers, so feel free to dish up seconds or save some for lunch the next day!

How to store Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven until it’s warmed through.

Tips to make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Use leftovers: This casserole is a great way to use up leftover cooked rice or vegetables.
• Try different cheese: Feel free to mix in different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique flavor.
• Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture.

Variation

For a twist on the classic recipe, consider adding some cooked broccoli or bell peppers to the casserole for extra veggies and flavor. You can also use quinoa in place of rice for a healthier option.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice usually takes longer to cook.

Can I freeze Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. For best results, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

A comforting and hearty dish featuring ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

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
• to taste Salt and pepper
• optional chopped parsley for garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. 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. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Sauce and Assembly

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix well to combine.
3. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Finishing Touch

1. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
2. Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

This casserole is a great way to use up leftover cooked rice or vegetables. Feel free to mix in different cheeses for a unique flavor. If you like a little heat, add diced jalapeños or cayenne to the beef mixture.