Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Cooking is often a journey filled with comfort and nostalgia, and Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is one of those timeless recipes that evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners. With its delicious layers of savory beef, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese, this dish has a special place in many hearts. It’s not just about feeding hungry bellies; it’s about gathering around the table, sharing stories, and enjoying good food together. If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe will surely become a staple in your home.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What truly sets this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole apart is its incredible versatility and ease of preparation. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something hearty yet comforting. It’s budget-friendly, making it perfect for families watching their spending, and is guaranteed to receive a thumbs-up from kids and adults alike. The combination of creamy mushroom soup and sharp cheddar cheese melds together, creating a rich, mouth-watering flavor that’s hard to resist.

“This casserole is a lifesaver on busy nights! My kids ask for it all the time, and it takes me no time at all to throw together.”

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Creating this hearty casserole is a straightforward process. The preparation involves browning the beef with onions, mixing up a creamy sauce, and combining everything with rice before the big bake. The simplicity of the method allows even novice cooks to nail it without fuss. Here’s how it flows:

1. Cook the ground beef and onions until browned.
2. Mix in garlic for flavor.
3. Combine cooked rice, beef, cheese, and sauce in a baking dish.
4. Bake to perfection.

Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a home-cooked meal in no time!

Gather Your Ingredients

To get started on your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, you’ll need to gather the following 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 (you can substitute with cream of chicken if preferred)
• 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

Ingredient Notes:

Feel free to swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a healthier option, or use brown rice for an added nutty flavor and texture!

Step-by-Step Directions

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. 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 is softened. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat!

3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.

5. Assemble the casserole: In your prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix it all together until well combined.

6. Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

7. Finish baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. If you like, broil for an additional 2 minutes to achieve a crispy cheese topping.

8. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and enjoy hot!

Tips for Serving

When it comes to serving your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, consider elevating the experience with these ideas:

• Side Dishes: Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Condiments: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for an added kick.
• Garnishing: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can add a beautiful touch and brighten the dish visually.

Best Way to Store Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

If you find yourself with leftovers (or if you want to make ahead), here’s how to store your casserole properly:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before baking it for up to 3 months. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• Reheating: To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave portions on medium power until warm.

Safety Reminder: Always make sure to store food promptly after serving and ensure it’s heated thoroughly before consuming.

Expert Advice

To ensure your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole comes out perfectly every time, keep these pro tips in mind:

• Browning the Beef: Make sure to drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
• Rice Preparation: Using previously cooked rice (leftovers are perfect) not only saves time but also infuses better flavor into the dish.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese! A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack can add exciting flavors.

Creative Twists

Looking to give this classic casserole a unique twist? Here are some fun variations to try:

• Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in some frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give it some heat.
• Swap Proteins: Substitute ground beef for turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a healthier, lighter option.

Your Questions Answered

Q: How long does it take to prepare this dish?
A: From start to finish, you can expect prep and cook time to be around 45 minutes.

Q: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just adjust the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

By following this guide, you’ll not only prepare a delicious Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole but create lasting memories around your dinner table. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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

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Description

A comforting casserole with layers of savory beef, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese, perfect for family gatherings and busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned; drain excess fat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. In the baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheese, and the sauce; mix until well combined.
6. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden; broil for 2 minutes for a crispy topping if desired.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Feel free to swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or brown rice for a nuttier flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, beef, comfort food, family meal, quick dinner, easy recipe