Description
A comforting and hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole that combines tender ground beef, flavorful mushrooms, and melty cheddar cheese over fluffy white rice. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a family dinner, featuring a creamy sauce and a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
- 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 the oven: Set 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 with the diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion becomes soft. Drain any excess fat for a leaner dish.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, adding depth to the flavor.
- Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, mix the cooked white rice, beef and onion mixture, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the creamy sauce thoroughly.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. 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 or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Optional crisping: For an extra crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve the casserole hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Be sure to drain the excess fat from the ground beef for a leaner casserole.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom if preferred.
- Add vegetables like peas or diced bell peppers for a veggie boost.
- Use beef broth instead of milk to reduce dairy content.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Keywords: cheesy ground beef casserole, beef and rice casserole, easy dinner casserole, comfort food, baked casserole, cheddar cheese casserole