Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty family meal, combining savory browned ground beef, tender rice, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it bakes to bubbly perfection in under an hour, providing a satisfying dish that pleases both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound Ground Beef (lean or substitute with ground turkey)
1 medium Onion (diced, yellow or white)
2 cloves Garlic (minced, or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
2 cups Cooked White Rice (preferably leftover rice)
10.5 ounces Cream of Mushroom Soup (or cream of chicken)
1 cup Milk or Beef Broth (for thinning the soup)
2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded, freshly grated for best melting)
1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked paprika optional for a twist)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
1/4 cup Chopped Parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Brown Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together for 5 to 7 minutes until beef is browned and onion is softened.
Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Mix Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, mix the cooked rice, beef and onion mixture, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the creamy sauce until evenly combined.
Top and Cover: Spread the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, then cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Optional Broil: For a crispy cheese top, broil the casserole for 1 to 2 minutes while closely watching to prevent burning.
Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot for comforting family enjoyment.

Notes

Use leftover rice if possible for better texture; fresh rice can be slightly mushy when baked.
Substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
Smoked paprika adds a nice smoky depth but can be omitted if unavailable.
For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and broth instead of milk.
Be careful during broiling as cheese can burn quickly—keep a close eye.
Prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake before serving for convenience.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, beef and rice bake, comfort food, easy family dinner