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

Author: pedro
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting dish combining ground beef, rice, and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

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) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned, then drain excess fat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, beef mixture, half of 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 the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Cheese should be bubbly and golden.
For a crispy cheese topping, broil for an extra 2 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.