This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a weeknight dream come true, combining savory ground beef with creamy, cheesy rice in one delightful dish. It’s so comforting, you’ll find yourself going back for seconds and maybe even thirds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Comfort: This dish brings all the warmth and coziness of comfort food into one bowl.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, it’s perfect even if you’re short on time or culinary skills.
- Versatile Ingredients: Mix and match with what’s in your pantry to make it uniquely yours.
- Family Favorite: Everyone from kids to adults will find something to love in this hearty casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture, guaranteeing a satisfying bite every time.
- Ground Beef: Opt for 85% lean to ensure moisture and flavor without too much grease.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings an aromatic, herbal finish that complements the beef beautifully.
- Onions and Garlic: They form the aromatic base that makes this dish irresistible.
- White Long Grain Rice: Absorbs all the delicious flavors without turning mushy.
- Beef Broth: Infuses the rice with depth, making every bite full of umami goodness.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and blends beautifully with the cheese.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melted on top and mixed throughout for that signature cheesy pull.
Variations
Feel free to tailor the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole to match your cravings, dietary needs, or simply what you have on hand. It’s delightfully adaptable!
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the ground beef for a medley of your favorite veggies like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat lovers’ flair.
- Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella for a stretchy finish or pepper jack for an added zest.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by cooking your ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavors. Cook until the beef is browned and flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Mixture
Next, in the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic in butter until they’re fragrant and soft. Then add the beef broth, uncooked rice, and mushrooms, letting it all simmer until the rice is perfectly tender.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Incorporate the cooked beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream into the rice mixture. Ensure each component is mixed well to achieve an even distribution of flavor.
Step 4: Bake
Transfer everything into a casserole dish, then generously top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Perfect Cheese Melt: For an even cheesier experience, mix in different types of cheddar, like sharp and mild.
- Rice Cooking: Let the rice absorb all the broth before adding other ingredients for the best texture.
- Mushroom Choice: Sauté mushrooms separately for richer flavor if you’re a fan of a more intense mushroom taste.
- Baking: Cover with foil for the first 10 minutes to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Garnishes
Top your casserole with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the dish’s creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs delightfully with a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli, adding a bit of healthful crunch and freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve portions in individual ramekins. It gives the casserole a touch of sophistication and makes portioning easy at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing
To freeze, ensure the casserole is completely cooled, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. If reheating from frozen, increase the time accordingly or allow it to defrost first.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but note that brown rice will take longer to cook and absorb the broth. You may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or increase the mushroom content for a vegetarian version.
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What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Try cream of chicken or a homemade béchamel sauce for a different flavor profile that still offers creaminess.
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How can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Consider adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or peas to enhance the nutritional value and introduce more colors and flavors.
Final Thoughts
Ready to give your dinner table a delightful makeover? Try this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole today and watch your family dive in with joy. With each creamy, cheesy bite, you’re not just enjoying a dish; you’re creating cherished mealtime memories. Happy cooking!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender ground beef, flavorful rice, mushrooms, and gooey cheese all baked to perfection. It makes for an easy weeknight dinner or leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice Mixture:
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3/4 cup onions, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/4 cups uncooked white long grain rice (not instant rice)
- 8 oz. sliced button mushrooms, washed
- 10.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare Rice Mixture: In the same or a separate pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add remaining butter, beef broth, rice, and sliced mushrooms. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the rice mixture. Mix well until combined.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Notes
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F before serving.
- You can swap out the mushrooms for frozen peas, carrots, or corn for variation.
- This dish freezes well for future meals.
- For a different flavor, substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
