Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that the whole family will love, look no further than Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. This one-dish meal is an easy, satisfying recipe that combines ground beef, tender rice, melty cheese, and savory seasonings into a delicious casserole that’s perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings. It’s filling, flavorful, and can be prepped in a flash—making it a go-to dinner recipe that’s sure to be a hit in your household.

With its rich combination of beef, cheese, and rice, this casserole is a great option for a hearty weeknight meal. Plus, it’s customizable with various vegetables or seasonings to suit your family’s tastes. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or use cream of chicken soup)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
1 cup beef broth (or water)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the beef, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.

2. Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture with the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the rice is evenly coated with the soup mixture.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Be sure that the rice is submerged in the liquid—this will help it cook properly as the casserole bakes.

4. Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and stir the casserole gently to ensure the rice is cooking evenly. Return the casserole to the oven (uncovered) and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

5. Add Cheese

Once the casserole is fully cooked, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese has melted and the casserole is hot and bubbling, remove it from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra pop of color and flavor, garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole:

Rice Tips: If you prefer using brown rice, be aware that it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and use more liquid to ensure the rice cooks through.
Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice for this casserole, you can experiment with other types of cheese for different flavor profiles. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses would all work wonderfully in this dish.
Vegetable Add-ins: This casserole is a great way to sneak in extra veggies! Consider adding frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers to the beef mixture before baking for an extra nutritional boost.
Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the casserole mixture to give it a spicy kick.
Make-Ahead Meal: This casserole can easily be made ahead of time. Assemble the casserole as instructed, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the instructions and add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time, as it will need a little longer to cook from cold.
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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole:

Comfort Food: With its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and satisfying ingredients, this casserole hits all the right notes for comfort food. It’s warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, especially on chilly evenings.
One-Pot Meal: This dish combines everything you need—protein, grains, and vegetables—into one convenient casserole. It’s the perfect meal for busy nights when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen but still want something hearty and flavorful.
Customizable: The beauty of this casserole is that it’s highly adaptable. You can adjust the seasonings, swap in different vegetables, or use a variety of cheeses depending on your preferences. It’s a versatile recipe that works for a wide range of tastes.
Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep and doesn’t take much time to throw together. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, family-friendly meal that can easily serve a crowd.
Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, beefy goodness of this casserole makes it a hit with kids. It’s a great way to introduce them to new flavors while ensuring they get a satisfying meal that they’ll enjoy.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect solution for a cozy, comforting dinner that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of savory goodness, making it a meal the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or preparing for a larger gathering, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time.

With its easy-to-follow steps and versatile ingredients, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your dinner rotation. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to serve up a cheesy, satisfying meal that will keep everyone coming back for seconds!