Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. Featuring tender ground beef, savory mushrooms soup, and melted cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection, this casserole combines simple pantry staples into a flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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)
- ½ cup milk or beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with diced onion until the meat is fully browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the beef mixture.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. This sauce will bind the casserole together and add richness.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, beef and onion mixture, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the prepared sauce. Mix all ingredients thoroughly for even flavor 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, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, which indicates a perfectly cooked casserole.
- Optional Broil: For an extra crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve the casserole hot to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom if preferred.
- Using beef broth instead of milk in the sauce will add additional savory flavor.
- Cook the rice ahead of time or use leftover rice for convenience.
- Covering with foil during the initial baking helps keep moisture in and prevents the cheese from browning too quickly.
- Broiling is optional but adds a lovely crispy texture to the cheese topping.
Keywords: cheesy casserole, ground beef recipe, rice casserole, comfort food, baked casserole, easy dinner
