Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tender cooked rice, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it combines simple ingredients into a hearty casserole baked to cheesy perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Main Ingredients

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

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is fully browned and the onion becomes soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the beef mixture.
Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk (or beef broth), paprika, salt, and pepper to create a creamy and flavorful sauce.
Assemble 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 everything well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
Optional Broil: For a crispier cheese topping, broil the casserole for 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve the casserole hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if preferred.
For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheese and lean ground beef.
Use beef broth instead of milk for a richer flavor or to accommodate lactose intolerance.
The casserole can be assembled the day before and refrigerated, then baked when ready.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: ground beef casserole, cheesy beef casserole, rice casserole, comfort food, easy dinner