Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
A comforting and easy-to-make cheesy ground beef and rice casserole featuring tender ground beef, savory mushroom soup sauce, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, combining simple ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main 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 (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1/2 cup milk or beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon 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 along with the diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat carefully.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance the flavor.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and combined.
- Assemble Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the prepared sauce. Mix everything well so the flavors meld together.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Optional Broil: For an extra crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for 2 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve the casserole hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat in the dish.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer, use beef broth instead of milk for a richer sauce.
- Make sure to drain the excess fat after browning the beef to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the cream soup used is gluten-free or prepare a homemade sauce.
