Crafting recipes that bring comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table is one of my favorite things to do. One of those cherished creations is the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. This dish has a way of transforming a typical weeknight meal into something special, enveloping you in layers of flavor, gooey cheese, and heartiness. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want a filling meal that pleases everyone in the family.

What makes this recipe special

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this casserole! For starters, it’s a one-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze after a long day. Additionally, it’s budget-friendly, using simple ingredients most families already have in their pantry. And let’s be honest—who can resist cheesy comfort food? This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, ensuring both satisfaction and convenience.

“I made this casserole for my family, and it was a hit! The cheesy goodness mixed with the beef and rice is just unbeatable. We’ll be adding this to our regular rotation!”

Preparing Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Making this casserole is easy and straightforward. You’ll be layering flavors and textures, resulting in a creamy and cheesy masterpiece. Here’s how the cooking process breaks down so you can envision the deliciousness awaiting you.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown your ground beef and onion together, which will create a base of flavor.
3. Whip up a creamy sauce using your choice of soup and seasonings.
4. Combine everything with rice and cheese before baking the dish to perfection.

Gather these items

To get started, here’s what you’ll need:

• 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

Feel free to use cream of chicken if you prefer that flavor! And remember, leftover rice works brilliantly in this dish.

Step-by-step instructions

Let’s dive into the cooking process:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Be sure to drain any excess fat afterward.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk (or beef broth), paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. In your prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, the beef mixture, half of the shredded cheese, and the soup mixture. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. For an extra crispy cheese topping, you can broil it for 2 minutes.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serving up this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole opens the door to various delightful pairings. A fresh green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette contrasts perfectly with the richness of the casserole. If you’re feeling adventurous, some garlic bread or crusty rolls are excellent for mopping up leftovers!

How to store

Leftovers can be a lifesaver. To keep your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be consumed within 3 to 4 days. If you wish to freeze it, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It will last up to three months. Remember to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Helpful cooking tips

For the best result, here are some pro tips:

• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for a creamier melt.
• Consider adding veggies like peas or bell peppers for an extra nutrition boost.
• Don’t skip the broiling step if you want that golden cheese topping—it makes all the difference!

Creative twists

Feeling like changing things up? Try adding a kick with some diced jalapeños or swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option. You could even go vegetarian by replacing meat with black beans or lentils, which would add a hearty texture and flavor.

Common questions

How long does it take to prepare this casserole?

This dish typically takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! Just ensure that the brown rice is cooked ahead of time, as it takes longer to cook compared to white rice.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

The best method is to reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re short on time.

Enjoy making this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole—it’s a dish that warms hearts and tummies alike!

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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A hearty and comforting casserole that combines ground beef, rice, cheese, and a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: N/A

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk (or beef broth), paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half the cheese, and soup mixture. Mix well.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. For extra crispy cheese, broil for 2 minutes.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Leftover rice works great in this dish. Consider adding veggies like peas for extra nutrition.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg