Have you ever found yourself craving a dish that embodies comfort and satisfaction all in one? Let me take you back to those nights when the scent of bubbling cheese and savory beef filled my kitchen—a true hug in a casserole dish! This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole has become a beloved staple in my home, handed down by family and shaped by years of my own culinary adventures. It’s not just a meal; it’s a reminder of cozy evenings spent with loved ones around the table, laughter echoing and plates piling high. There’s something magical about a dish that marries the heartiness of beef with the creaminess of cheese—all wrapped up in a warm embrace of rice.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Why should you try this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole? Well, my friend, let me tell you—it’s the simplicity and charm of it all! First off, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser. Kids adore it; adults swoon over it. It’s kind of like that old reliable friend who always knows how to make you feel at home and at peace. The creamy texture of the sauce envelops the tender beef and fluffy rice, while the melting cheese on top gives that crispy, bubbly finish we all crave. What more could you ask for?
Plus, it’s a versatile dish! You can easily switch up ingredients based on pantry staples or dietary needs. Got a can of cream of chicken instead of mushroom? Perfect! Prefer brown rice or quinoa instead of white? You do you! This casserole leans into whatever you throw its way, allowing for some playful creativity. And let’s not forget about its easy one-dish nature—less mess, more love!
Key ingredients overview
So, what’s cooking in this special casserole? Here’s a peek at the ingredients that make the magic happen:
Lean Ground Beef (1 lb): The hearty backbone of our dish. I like using lean beef for a healthier twist, but feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken if that tickles your fancy.
Diced Onion (1 small): Adds a sweet depth. Sautéing it until translucent gives the casserole its aromatic foundation.
Minced Garlic (2 cloves): Garlic is life’s secret weapon! It brings a warmth that makes everything feel more wholesome. You can even use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
Cooked White Rice (2 cups): This is your filling agent. If brown rice is your jam, go ahead and use that instead. Leftover rice? Even better!
Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz can): This creates that luscious sauce that binds everything together. Cream of chicken works beautifully too!
Milk or Beef Broth (1/2 cup): This thin liquid will give you the creaminess and is essential for bringing the sauce to life.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, divided): The star of the show! Who doesn’t love a cheesy topping? Use sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor or mix in other cheeses for a richer profile.
Paprika (1 tsp): This little spice adds a nice color and subtly enhances the flavor—a must-have!
Salt and Pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that ensure your dish shines.
Chopped Parsley (optional, for garnish): A pop of green never hurt anyone! It brightens up your dish and adds a fresh note.
How this recipe comes together
Let’s dive into the cooking process—trust me, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly it all comes together!
Preheat the Oven: Get that oven fired up to 350°F (175°C) while we prepare everything.
Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your lean ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat—no one likes greasy casserole!
Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds until that heavenly aroma fills the air. Don’t let it burn; we want fragrant, not burnt!
Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk (or broth), paprika, salt, and pepper. Ah, that’s the magic sauce that will hold our casserole together!
Assemble the Layers: In your greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheese, and that lovely sauce. Mix everything well so each grain of rice gets a taste!
Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top—let it rain cheese! Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Finish Baking: Remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and gently golden.
Optional Crispiness: If you’re like me and love a crispy top, broil for an extra 2 minutes! Just watch it carefully; it can go from perfect to “oops!” in no time.
Serve it Up: Garnish with chopped parsley if you wish and serve hot! You’ll want to soak in all those oohs and aahs around the table.
Best way to enjoy it
Now that you’ve created this masterpiece, how can you serve it up? First things first: it’s divine on its own, especially when it’s fresh out of the oven. Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed broccoli for a bit of crunch and color! A slice of crusty bread would also add more texture to your meal—great for sopping up that creamy goodness.
If you feel like getting fancy, why not ladle some salsa or hot sauce over the top for an unexpected kick? Or serve it with a side of pickled jalapeños for those who love a little heat!
Storage and reheating tips
Got leftovers? Here’s what I do to keep this casserole fresh:
Store it Right: Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, cover the dish with foil and bake it at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Freezing: If you want to store this treasure for later, it freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in foil and pop it in the freezer. It should keep well for about 3 months.
Helpful cooking tips
Let’s make sure you nail this recipe, shall we? Here are a few insider tricks:
Don’t skip the browning step! It adds layers of flavor—you’ll thank yourself later.
Mix it up! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor!
Cheese lovers rejoice! Experiment with different cheeses—Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for an unexpected twist.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to try:
Mexican Style: Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Top with jalapeños and queso for a delicious twist.
Italian Flair: Use Italian seasoning, swap the cheddar for mozzarella, and add diced tomatoes instead of the cream soup for an Italian-inspired casserole.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for a mix of black beans and lentils, or even mushrooms—trust me, you won’t miss the meat!
Ingredients list
- 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
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- In the baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and sauce. Mix well.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Your questions answered
What can I substitute for ground beef? Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative work well!
Can I use brown rice? Absolutely! Just make sure it’s cooked beforehand.
How can I make this dish spicier? Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the mix!
What’s the prep time? It usually takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare.
How can I make this dish healthier? Use lean meat, low-fat soup, and add more vegetables to the mix.
What are you waiting for? Give this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole a whirl in your kitchen. It’s time to whip up some memories, share with loved ones, and bask in the cozy vibes that this dish brings. You may just find it becomes your new favorite way to gather around the table! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that combines savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice into one delicious dish. Perfect for families and easy to customize based on your pantry staples.Key Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Cooking Instructions
Preparation
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion for about 5-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk (or broth), paprika, salt, and pepper.Assemble the Casserole
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, mix together cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the sauce.Top and Bake
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes for bubbling cheese.Optional Crispiness
For a crispy top, broil for an extra 2 minutes, watching carefully.Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 500mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 15 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 25 mg
- Iron 12 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 1 mcg
- Thiamin 1 mg
- Riboflavin 5 mg
- Niacin 15 mg
- Vitamin B6 10 mg
- Folate 10 mcg
- Vitamin B12 20 mcg
- Phosphorus 20 mg
- Magnesium 6 mg
- Zinc 25 mg
- Selenium 20 mcg
- Copper 10 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.
