Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
A comforting and hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole made with lean ground beef, fluffy white rice, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner with a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 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)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: 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 along with the diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion has softened. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring the flavors meld.
- Prepare 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 will bind the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the greased baking dish, combine the cooked rice, beef and onion mixture, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the prepared sauce. Mix everything well for even distribution.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top of the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Optional Broil: For an extra crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot for a delicious, cheesy meal.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if preferred.
- Use beef broth instead of milk for a richer flavor in the sauce.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and lean ground beef.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after cooking the beef to avoid greasy casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: cheesy ground beef casserole, beef and rice casserole, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, baked casserole, cheesy rice bake
