When you’re looking for a satisfying, easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love, a cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is always a winner. This dish is hearty, comforting, and packed with flavors that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. It’s the kind of recipe you can throw together with a few pantry staples, and it’s guaranteed to please. The combination of tender ground beef, creamy soup, savory seasonings, and gooey melted cheese over rice makes this casserole a deliciously filling dish.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking to meal prep for the week, this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole will not disappoint. Let’s dive into the recipe, break down the steps, and explore variations to make it your own!
Ingredients
This recipe is straightforward and uses basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting casserole:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb (450g) |
| Medium onion, diced | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Uncooked white or brown rice | 1 cup (200g) |
| Beef or chicken broth | 2 cups (475ml) |
| Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Milk | 1 cup (240ml) |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 ½ cups (150g), divided |
| Diced tomatoes (drained) | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | ½ tsp |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
| Salt and pepper to taste | To taste |
| Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) | For garnish |
Instructions
Now, let’s break down the steps to prepare this cheesy and delicious ground beef and rice casserole. The recipe is simple to follow and will yield a fantastic, family-friendly meal. Here’s how to make it:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and that the cheese melts perfectly when it’s time to bake. Preheating the oven is a critical step in ensuring the dish bakes properly and doesn’t take longer than necessary to cook.
2. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, heat a little bit of oil over medium heat. Add 1 lb (450g) ground beef to the skillet and cook it until it is no longer pink. Be sure to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks, so it has an even texture throughout the casserole.
Once the beef is browned and cooked through, add the diced medium onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This will help release the aromatic flavors of the garlic and onion, infusing the beef with a rich base flavor.
If there is excess grease in the skillet, drain it off to ensure that your casserole isn’t too greasy.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of milk, and 2 cups of beef or chicken broth. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Add in the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. These seasonings add layers of flavor that balance out the richness of the beef and the creaminess of the soup. Stir everything together to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the liquid.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Now it’s time to start assembling the casserole. Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter. Spread 1 cup of uncooked rice evenly over the bottom of the dish. The rice will absorb all the delicious flavors from the beef mixture and the creamy sauce as it cooks, making it tender and flavorful.
Next, layer the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture over the rice. Make sure the beef is spread evenly to create a solid base for the rest of the casserole. Afterward, pour the soup mixture over the top of the beef and rice, ensuring that everything is coated evenly.
Now, drain a can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) and sprinkle them on top of the casserole. The tomatoes add a bit of freshness and acidity to balance out the richness of the beef and cheese. You can use any type of canned tomatoes you prefer, such as diced or crushed.
5. Add the Cheese
This is where things start to get really delicious! Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. It’s a good idea to divide the cheese into two portions—one for layering and the other to top the casserole later. The cheese creates a bubbly, golden crust that will make this casserole irresistible when it’s done baking.
6. Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. During this time, the rice will cook through, and the liquid will be absorbed, creating a creamy, flavorful base. The foil helps trap moisture, ensuring that the rice cooks evenly.
After 40-45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the casserole. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. This step is crucial for achieving that gooey, cheesy finish on top.
7. Serve
Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish the casserole with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. The parsley is optional, but it adds a nice touch and makes the dish look even more inviting.
Scoop out portions of the casserole and serve warm. This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is perfect on its own, but you can serve it alongside a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
To ensure that your cheesy ground beef and rice casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Use Uncooked Rice: Be sure to use uncooked rice in this recipe, as the casserole relies on the rice cooking in the oven. Using pre-cooked rice may result in mushy or undercooked rice, as it doesn’t have the chance to absorb the liquid properly.
- Drain the Tomatoes Well: When adding the canned tomatoes, be sure to drain them thoroughly before adding them to the casserole. Excess moisture can make the casserole too soupy, which might prevent the rice from cooking properly.
- Cheese Variations: While shredded cheddar cheese is the most common choice, you can get creative with the cheese in this casserole. Try using a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a melty, gooey result, or go for a sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you prefer a bit more heat, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture, or stir in a bit of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for extra spice.
- Make Ahead: This casserole is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and bake it the next day. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight, then bake it in the oven until heated through.
Variations
While this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is delicious as written, it’s also quite versatile. Here are a few variations to suit your taste preferences or to use up ingredients you have on hand:
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version of this casserole, you can skip the ground beef and substitute it with a combination of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also use cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute for the ground beef.
- Spicy Version: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or green chilies to the beef mixture. You can also stir in some spicy salsa or hot sauce to the soup mixture for an extra kick.
- Mexican Twist: Add a taco seasoning packet to the beef mixture, and substitute the cream of mushroom soup for a can of enchilada sauce. You can also top the casserole with shredded Mexican cheese and serve with sour cream or guacamole.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort food, blending hearty ground beef, flavorful seasonings, creamy soup, and gooey cheese all baked together in a single dish. It’s an incredibly versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you make it for a busy weeknight dinner or prepare it in advance for an easy meal later, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite in no time. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this delicious, satisfying meal!
