Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

There’s something so comforting about a cheesy casserole, isn’t there? It whispers home-cooked warmth and coziness, transporting you back to those cherished family dinners. Let me tell you about my absolute favorite: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. This dish has been a staple in my kitchen for years—not just because it’s easy to whip together, but because it envelops you in delightful flavors and indulgent cheesiness with every bite.

Why you’ll love this recipe

This casserole is not just a mere blend of ingredients; it’s an embrace in a baking dish! The savory ground beef dances with a hint of garlic and the creamy texture of mushroom soup, creating a luscious harmony that sings comfort food. And let’s talk about that cheese! It’s the golden crown that brings it all together, melting beautifully atop a bed of fluffy rice, making every forkful a rich experience.

What’s more? This dish can easily adapt to the whims of your pantry. Have some leftover veggies? Toss them in! Prefer chicken over beef? No problem! It’s genuinely a versatile recipe that embraces creativity, while also making it a tried and true family favorite. Plus, it comes together in no time, perfect for busy evenings or unexpected guests. Trust me when I say, this recipe is destined to become a part of your culinary repertoire—just like it is in mine.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what we’ll need for this scrumptiously cheesy creation:

• 1 lb lean ground beef: A great source of protein without being overly fatty. Feel free to swap for ground turkey if you’re looking for a lighter option!

• 1 small onion, diced: This adds just the right amount of sweetness and depth. Don’t skimp on dicing it finely; this way, it’ll meld beautifully into the dish.

• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Oh, my friend, garlic is the magic wand! It elevates this dish from simple to sensational.

• 2 cups cooked white rice: Leftover rice works wonders here! Just make sure it’s not too mushy, so it provides good texture.

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken): The luscious binding component that brings creaminess to your casserole. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own from scratch for an extra touch of love.

• 1/2 cup milk or beef broth: This adds moisture and richness. Use homemade broth for a deeper flavor or go with milk for creaminess.

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): The star of the show! Cheddar’s sharpness shines through, creating that gooey, stringy delight we all crave. You can mix it up with gouda or mozzarella for a gourmet twist.

• 1 tsp paprika: Just a touch of this spice adds warmth and a beautiful hue. It’s like sunshine in your casserole!

• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all these delectable flavors together.

• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish: A sprinkle at the end not only brightens the presentation but also adds a fresh burst of flavor.

Preparing Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Ready to dive into the cooking process? Let’s transform these ingredients into a cozy masterpiece!

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and gets that beautiful golden crust.

2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, pop in the ground beef and diced onion. As the beef browns and the onion softens, let the sizzling symphony fill your kitchen! Drain any excess fat—nobody wants a greasy casserole.

3. Add garlic: Once the meat and onion have become best friends, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until the aroma envelopes you; it’s the kind of magic that makes the world better.

4. Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is the velvety union that will tie our casserole together.

5. Assemble the layers: Grab that greased 9×13-inch baking dish and combine the cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix it all well—this is where the excitement builds!

6. Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, then cover the dish with foil and let it bake for 20 minutes. This keeps everything moist and helps the flavors meld.

7. Finish baking: Remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starts to brown beautifully. For that perfect, crispy topping, you can even pop it under the broiler for 2 minutes—keeping a watchful eye, of course!

8. Serve it up: Once it’s bubbling hot, take it out, garnish with chopped parsley if you like, and let the compliments roll in!

Best way to enjoy it

When serving this cheesy delight, I love to pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. It cuts through the richness beautifully! A side of garlic bread or roasted veggies would also fit perfectly alongside, bringing a colorful twist to the table. And let’s be real—the casserole itself is hearty enough to be the main event, so feel free to keep it simple!

Storage and reheating tips

Now, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which I always hope for), storing this casserole is a breeze. Just cover it well in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it keeps for 3-4 days. If you want to stash it for a later date, it freezes beautifully—just make sure to wrap it tightly and label it with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Tips for a successful recipe

Here are a few pro tips to make your casserole shine even brighter:

• Toast your spices: Quickly toasting the paprika in the oil before adding in the beef will deepen its flavor.
• Don’t skip the cheese layer! It’s that creamy layer of comfort everyone loves—just like a hug in every bite.
• Customize: If you’re feeling adventurous today, try adding chorizo for some spice, or sneak in shredded zucchini for extra nutrition!

Creative Twists

Feeling like mixing things up? Here are some fun variations:

• Swap out the protein! Ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian version could also be terrific.
• Add some heat! A diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes could liven things up a bit.
• Top it differently: Instead of parsley, try crispy bacon bits or crushed tortilla chips for a fun crunch!
• Spice it up with different cheeses—like pepper jack for a little kick or even a blend for a gourmet touch.

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

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, brown the beef with the diced onion over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. In the baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix well.
6. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Broil for 2 minutes if you like a crispy top.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and enjoy hot!

Your questions answered

• How long does it take to prepare? About 15-20 minutes of active prep time, then around 30 minutes to bake. Perfect for a quick dinner!
• Can I make it ahead? Absolutely! Just assemble it a day in advance and cover it tightly. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
• Can I substitute the beef? For sure! Ground turkey or chicken works well. You could also use cooked beans or lentils for a meatless option.
• How do leftovers taste? They’re just as delicious! In fact, the flavors meld together overnight.
• What can I serve as a side? A simple green salad or some roasted vegetables complement this dish beautifully.

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is sure to find a cozy spot in your heart (and stomach). With a bit of practice, you’ll be whipping it up like a seasoned pro. So roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and let’s get cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your experiences, tweaks, and how much you enjoy this delightful meal!

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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Cooking Method: Baking, Sauteing Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy E Easy High Protein Non Vegetarian

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 50 hrs 5 mins

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 500

Best Season: Winter

Description

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a delightful mix of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (Can substitute ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked white rice (Leftover rice works well)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz or cream of chicken as an alternative)
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk or beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Divided for topping)
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• chopped parsley for garnish (Optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Casserole

1. Preheat Oven

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
   Mark as complete

2. Cook the Beef

   In a large skillet, brown the beef with the diced onion over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Garlic

   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
   Mark as complete

4. Make the Sauce

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   Mark as complete

5. Assemble Casserole

   Combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheese, and the sauce in the prepared baking dish. Mix well.
   Mark as complete

6. Top and Bake

   Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   This keeps everything moist.
   Mark as complete

7. Finish Baking

   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy top.
   Watch it closely under the broiler.
   Mark as complete

8. Garnish and Serve

   Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 500kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 15g75%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 80mg27%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 2g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This casserole can be adapted with various ingredients based on preference.

Keywords: casserole, ground beef, cheese, rice, comfort food