Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
A comforting and easy-to-make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combining browned ground beef, savory cream of mushroom soup, and cheesy goodness baked to perfection. This hearty casserole is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep and features a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
- 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)
- 1/2 cup milk or beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, beef and onion mixture, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the sauce. Mix everything well to ensure even distribution.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese under the foil.
- Finish baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Optional broiling: For a crispier 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 as a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup if preferred.
- For a lighter option, use milk instead of beef broth.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This casserole can be customized with added vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for a crispy cheese topping.
Keywords: ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, rice casserole, easy dinner recipes, comfort food, baked casserole
