Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy white rice, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, it makes for a perfect family-friendly meal that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Base and Sauce
- 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
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole assembly.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish leaner.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the beef mixture.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce will add creaminess and flavor to the casserole.
- Assemble the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, browned beef mixture, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the prepared creamy sauce. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Finish baking: Remove the foil cover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Optional broil for crispiness: If you want a crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve the casserole hot for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a slightly different flavor.
- Using beef broth instead of milk in the sauce can add extra depth to the taste.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and lean ground beef.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Add vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Keywords: Ground beef casserole, cheesy rice bake, easy family casserole, comfort food, baked beef and rice