why make this recipe
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to every meal. It’s perfect for families looking for an easy yet delicious weeknight dinner. Combining ground beef, creamy soup, rice, and cheese, this casserole is hearty, filling, and full of flavor. Additionally, it is budget-friendly and can feed a crowd, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or potlucks. The best part? It’s simple to make and can be prepared in advance!
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly.
Prepare the baking dish: Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. This helps to prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish.
Cook the beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 30 seconds. Garlic adds a nice flavor that complements the beef and onions.
Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk or beef broth. Add the paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine the ingredients: In your prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, the beef mixture, half of the shredded cheese, and the sauce you just mixed. Stir well to ensure that everything is evenly distributed.
Top the casserole: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the casserole. This will create a deliciously gooey cheese layer once baked.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. The foil helps to keep the casserole moist.
Remove the foil: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to become bubbly and golden brown. If you like a crispy cheese topping, you can broil it for an extra 2 minutes.
Serve: Once finished, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Slice into portions and serve hot.
how to serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole can be served as a standalone dish due to its hearty ingredients, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. To make it a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of garlic bread or breadsticks. For a fun twist, you can also include some hot sauce or salsa for those who enjoy a little spice.
how to store Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
If you have leftovers or want to prepare this dish in advance, storing it is easy. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze the casserole for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, and then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
tips to make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Use leftover rice: If you have leftover rice, it works perfectly in this casserole. It saves time and still tastes great.
Switch the meat: For a different flavor profile, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage.
Add veggies: Incorporate some vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas into the mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Spice it up: If you enjoy a little kick, adding some chili powder or diced jalapeños can bring the flavor to the next level.
Cheese options: While cheddar cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites.
variation
This recipe can be easily customized to your taste. For example, you can make a Mexican variation by using spicy salsa in place of cream of mushroom soup and adding black beans and corn. Top it with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick! Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, replace the beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and beans.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, take it out, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be used, although you may need to adjust the cooking time since it takes longer to cook than white rice. Ensure it’s fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No problem! You can use cream of chicken soup or even make a homemade cream sauce if preferred. There are also various other soups like cream of celery that could work well.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. A quick internal temperature check should read at least 160°F (70°C) if you have a food thermometer.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Just make sure it’s completely cooled, and store it in an airtight container. It can last in the freezer for up to three months.
By following this simple recipe, you can create a hearty, cheesy delight that the whole family will love. Enjoy your cooking and the delicious results!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and filling dish made with ground beef, creamy soup, rice, and cheese, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
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).
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it.
- Cook the beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Mix together the cream of mushroom soup and milk or beef broth in a separate bowl, then add paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheese, and sauce in the prepared baking dish.
- Top the casserole with the remaining cheese.
- Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for convenient meals.
- 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: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: casserole, beef, rice, comfort food, easy recipe, family meal, budget-friendly