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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

A comforting and hearty dish featuring ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

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.