Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. Combining browned ground beef, flavorful onions and garlic, creamy mushroom soup, and tender rice, all topped with melted cheddar cheese, it offers a delicious one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 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 and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Garlic: Stir the minced garlic into the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the flavor base of the casserole.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a creamy sauce that binds the casserole components.
- Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish: In your prepared baking dish, mix the cooked rice with the beef and onion mixture, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the creamy sauce. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Optional Broil for Crispiness: For an extra crispy cheese crust, broil the casserole for 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish and serve the casserole hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat for a healthier dish.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup if preferred or for a slightly different flavor.
- Make sure to drain any excess fat after browning the beef to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Cook the rice ahead of time or use leftover rice to save time.
- Broiling at the end is optional but gives a nice crispy cheese topping.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated well in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: cheesy ground beef casserole, beef and rice casserole, easy casserole recipe, comfort food, baked casserole