Description
A comforting and hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
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
Cheese and Seasonings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the meat mixture.
- Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful sauce.
- Assemble the 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 well to ensure even distribution.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Finish baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top becomes bubbly and golden brown.
- Optional broil: For a crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve the casserole hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup if preferred or to vary the flavor.
- Use beef broth instead of milk for a richer beef flavor.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and leaner ground beef.
- Leftovers store well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the ground beef is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Keywords: cheesy ground beef casserole, rice casserole, ground beef recipes, baked casseroles, easy dinner recipes