Creating a Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is like wrapping your family in a warm, cheesy hug after a long day. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together for cozy weeknight dinners and is perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd. This comforting casserole combines ground beef, creamy mushrooms, and melty cheese with rice into a hearty meal that hits the spot every time.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is not just another dinner recipe; it’s a family favorite for a reason. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and uses simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. From picky eaters to the most sophisticated palates, this dish earns rave reviews around the dinner table.

"This casserole has become a staple in our home! It’s quick, easy, and everyone loves it. The flavors blend perfectly, and the cheese on top is the best part!" – A Satisfied Cook

Preparing Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. You’ll start by browning the ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic to bring out their deep flavors. Then, you’ll whip up a creamy sauce and combine it with cooked rice and cheese. Finally, it all goes in the oven to become a beautifully bubbling casserole. Expect just a few steps between you and dinner!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving in, make sure you have all these essentials ready:

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

Feel free to substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or swap in different cheeses if cheddar isn’t your favorite!

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Cooking Steps

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion softens. Drain any excess fat.
Add Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
Combine Ingredients: In your greased baking dish, mix the cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheese, and the sauce until well combined.
Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Optionally, broil for 2 minutes to achieve a crispy cheese topping.
Serve: If desired, garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.

Best Way to Serve

This casserole is not only delicious on its own but can also be enhanced with a few creative touches. Serve it with a side salad for some freshness, or maybe some steamed broccoli for a healthful balance. If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to individual servings.

Storage Tips

To keep your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat in the oven or microwave until hot throughout, ensuring to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Pro Chef Tips

Flavor Boost: Consider adding some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist.
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

Creative Twists

There are plenty of ways to put a spin on this classic recipe. Think about adding corn or black beans for a Tex-Mex style casserole, or using brown rice for a healthier option. For a more gourmet touch, add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the beef mixture.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare the casserole?

Preparation and cooking time is approximately 40-50 minutes, making it a quick option for dinner.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just ensure that the brown rice is pre-cooked, as cooking times may differ.

How do I store leftovers safely?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and always ensure they are reheated to at least 165°F (74°C) before serving.

This hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is not just a meal—it’s a celebration of comfort food that brings families together and warms the heart. Enjoy!

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Total Time: 45
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Description

A comforting casserole combining ground beef, creamy mushrooms, and melty cheese with rice into a hearty meal perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion softens. Drain any excess fat.
Add Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
Combine Ingredients: In your greased baking dish, mix the cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheese, and the sauce until well combined.
Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Optionally, broil for 2 minutes to achieve a crispy cheese topping.
Serve: If desired, garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 30
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: beef casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, ground beef recipes, easy dinners