There’s something truly special about a warm, gooey Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole bubbling away in the oven. The aroma of savory ground beef mingling with a rich, creamy sauce and the golden layer of melted cheddar cheese creates a comfort that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. This dish is a staple in my kitchen, especially on chilly weeknights when I need a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to prepare.
What I adore most about this casserole is how quickly it comes together. In a matter of minutes, you’ll have all the ingredients combined and in the oven, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. It can be a hearty main dish at family gatherings or simply a cozy dinner at home, and the leftovers? Well, they reheat beautifully for lunch the next day!
WHY I LOVE CHEESY GROUND BEEF AND RICE CASSEROLE
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole truly hits that sweet spot between ease of preparation and heartwarming flavor. It’s incredibly easy and undeniably delicious, making it a go-to for my busy schedule. Plus, the combination of tender beef, fluffy rice, and creamy cheese creates an elegance that impresses anyone at my table. Honestly, it’s a comfort food classic I always return to!
CHEESY GROUND BEEF AND RICE CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS
The magic of this casserole truly lies in the harmony of its simple ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich, satisfying flavor profile that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; those are all in the recipe card for you!
Essential Components
- 1 LB LEAN GROUND BEEF: The star of the show, providing a savory and satisfying base.
- 1 SMALL ONION, DICED: Adds sweetness and depth, complementing the beef perfectly.
- 2 CLOVES GARLIC, MINCED: Brings a punch of aroma and flavor, elevating the entire dish.
- 2 CUPS COOKED WHITE RICE: Fluffy and hearty, this binds the casserole together and makes it filling.
- 1 CAN (10.5 OZ) CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP (OR CREAM OF CHICKEN): This is your creamy backbone, creating that luscious texture we all crave.
- 1/2 CUP MILK OR BEEF BROTH: Helps to thin out the sauce for a creamy consistency.
- 2 CUPS SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE (DIVIDED): Adds a melty, cheesy goodness—because who doesn’t love gooey cheese?
- 1 TSP PAPRIKA: A dash of warm spice, making everything a little more flavorful.
- SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE: Essential for boosting flavors and balancing the dish.
- OPTIONAL: CHOPPED PARSLEY FOR GARNISH: A pop of color and freshness on top for a lovely finish.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND TIPS
Need a swap? If you’re looking to mix things up, here are some great substitutions to consider:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, though it won’t be quite as rich.
- Brown Rice: Swap white rice for a nutty texture and more fiber.
- Cream of Celery Soup: For a different take on the creaminess, it’s equally delightful.
- Different Cheeses: Feel free to try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
A practical tip: If you want to keep it simple and time-efficient, you can cook the rice in advance or use leftover rice from a previous meal!
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
- Large skillet (12-inch)
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk (or fork)
- Wooden spoon for mixing
- Cutting board and knife
HOW TO MAKE CHEESY GROUND BEEF AND RICE CASSEROLE
Let’s dive into creating this wonderfully comforting Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps to guide you through. Follow along, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. We’re aiming for a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece straight from the oven!
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish. This will keep everything from sticking and ensure that every bite is delectable!
Sear the Beef and Onions
Next, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 LB LEAN GROUND BEEF and 1 DICED ONION until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy. This step lays the foundation of flavor that we need!
Add Garlic Goodness
Now, stir in 2 CLOVES MINCED GARLIC and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Trust me, this step is key! The aroma that will fill your kitchen is simply irresistible.
Create the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 CAN CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP, 1/2 CUP MILK OR BROTH, 1 TSP PAPRIKA, and season with SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE. This creamy mixture is going to pull everything together beautifully!
Assemble the Dish
In the prepared baking dish, combine the 2 CUPS COOKED WHITE RICE, the beef mixture, half of the 2 CUPS SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE, and the creamy sauce. Give it a good stir to mix everything well; you want every bite to be flavorful!
Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Who can resist an extra layer of cheesy goodness? Cover with foil to keep it moist while baking.
Bake Until Bubbly
Bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. The goal here is to let all those flavors meld together and for the cheese to start melting.
Final Touch – Broil for Perfection
For that perfect golden cheese layer, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. If you want a crispy top, give it a quick broil for 2 minutes at the end. Just be sure to watch closely to prevent burning!
Serve with Style
Garnish with CHOPPED PARSLEY if desired and serve hot. You’ll want to dig into this piping hot dish while it’s bubbling away!
HOW TO STORE CHEESY GROUND BEEF AND RICE CASSEROLE
This casserole keeps beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or leftovers. If you have any remaining, let it cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for 2-3 months; just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Always brown the beef well. This creates a robust flavor base.
- Use freshly shredded cheese. It melts better and tastes creamier than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Don’t skimp on seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper according to your personal taste.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This gives it a chance to set and makes serving easier!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve alongside a vibrant green salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair with golden cornbread to soak up all the creamy goodness.
- A glass of chilled white wine or iced tea complements the meal perfectly.
- For garnish, sprinkle with some extra parsley or even crispy onion bits for texture.
- Present it straight from the oven to the table for a welcoming family-style dinner.
Enjoy creating this cheesy, comforting dish that is the heart of any home!
