why make this recipe
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for families. It combines savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese with rice to create a meal that everyone will love. This recipe is simple to follow and uses ingredients you likely already have at home. It’s a great way to feed a crowd or to have leftovers for lunch or dinner.
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
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is best served hot. You can dish it directly from the baking dish and offer extra chopped parsley for garnish. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
how to store Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool down to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to 3 months.
tips to make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Use leftover rice to save time.
- Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- If you like some heat, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the beef while cooking.
- Make it extra cheesy by adding different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack.
variation
You can add vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrients. Simply mix them in with the rice and beef mixture before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake it, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella can all work well in this recipe.
3. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the cheese is bubbly and golden. You can check if it’s heated through by inserting a knife in the center. If it comes out hot, your casserole is ready to serve!
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and hearty dish combining savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese with rice, perfect for families.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
You can use leftover rice to save time. Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
