Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
why make this recipe
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. It’s simple to prepare and combines a delicious mix of flavors that everyone loves. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal prep time and uses everyday ingredients. The combination of ground beef, rice, and cheese creates a hearty meal that will satisfy even the hungriest of eaters.
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: Begin by preheating 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 the ground beef and diced onion. Stir until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Make sure to drain any excess fat.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
- Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix everything well to combine.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top of the casserole. Cover it with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Finish baking: After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and golden.
- Optional: For a crispy cheese topping, broil for an extra 2 minutes.
- Serve: If desired, garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
how to serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is best enjoyed warm. Serve it alone or pair it with a simple salad for a complete meal. It makes a filling dish for family dinners or potlucks. Leftovers can be stored and reheated, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.
how to store Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
For leftovers, allow the casserole to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for longer storage. Just make sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.
tips to make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Use leftover rice for quicker prep.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Make it creamy by mixing in some sour cream along with the sauce.
variation
You can easily customize this casserole by swapping ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, try using a meat substitute or mix in hearty vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice. Just make sure it is fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free cream soup and ensure all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
A comforting dish of ground beef, rice, and cheese that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
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
- 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.
- Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce by whisking together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
- Assemble the casserole by combining the cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheese, and the sauce in the prepared baking dish. Mix well.
- Top with the remaining cheese, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.
- Finish by removing the foil and baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or corn. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
