Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring seasoned ground beef mixed with fluffy cooked rice, creamy mushroom sauce, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese, this casserole combines rich flavors and simple ingredients for an easy-to-make meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Rice and Dairy
- 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)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- Chopped parsley for garnish
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 browned and the onion becomes soft. Drain away any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic into the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the meat mixture.
- Make 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.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, the browned beef mixture, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the prepared sauce. Mix everything thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
- 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 allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking the casserole for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Optional Broil: For an extra crispy, golden cheese topping, broil the casserole for 2 minutes while watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve the casserole hot for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to keep the casserole less greasy.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup if preferred or for a different flavor profile.
- Milk can be swapped with beef broth for a richer taste and lower fat content.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Ensure to drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- For a gluten-free option, verify the cream soup is gluten-free or make your own.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
