Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that promises to warm your heart and home. With its layers of savory ground beef mingling with tender, fluffy rice, and a luscious cream sauce topped with gooey melted cheese, each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that encapsulates the essence of family gatherings, cozy nights, and shared laughter around the table. Offering a perfect balance of flavor and easy preparation, this casserole is a go-to recipe that you’ll want to keep on hand.

This recipe is exceptionally easy to whip up, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Its step-by-step approach ensures you can bring this dish to life without any fuss, making it suitable for both seasoned cooks and kitchen newbies. The minimal ingredients required not only simplify the prep but also bring forth robust flavors that your family will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the main benefits of Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is its straightforward preparation. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen; this dish comes together in about an hour, allowing you more time to relax or engage in family fun. Moreover, it’s a family-friendly recipe that even the pickiest eaters will love.

The minimal list of ingredients means you can create a delicious meal without a massive grocery list. In fact, chances are you already have most of what you need in your pantry. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one dish, making cleanup a breeze—a definite win for busy households.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef: Choose high-quality beef for a richer flavor.
• 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and aromatic base.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a delightful depth of flavor.
• 1 cup uncooked rice: Use long-grain white rice for the best texture.
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup: This creates a creamy and savory sauce.
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth: Adds moisture and enhances the beef flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the dish; use sharp for more flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: To enhance all the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Provides a subtle smokiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a touch of herbaceous flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the beef and vegetables.

Step-by-Step Directions for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

To create your masterpiece, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. As the oil shimmers, add the ground beef, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the beef is browned and the onions become soft and translucent. This step is essential for building layers of flavor right from the start.

Next, stir in the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. The creamy soup will embrace the rice, helping it to absorb all the wonderful flavors during cooking.

Transfer this hearty mixture to a greased baking dish, ensuring it’s spread evenly. Cover the dish with foil, then place it into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

After the initial bake, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top, making it look irresistible. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully and is bubbling.

Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Dish it out hot, and prepare to be enveloped in cheesy, meaty goodness!

Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole further, consider these chef’s secrets:

1. Ground Beef Variations: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version while keeping the dish flavorful.
2. Extra Veggies: Toss in some frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers to add texture and color while boosting the nutritional value.
3. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack or mozzarella, to suit your family’s taste.
4. Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
5. Herb Additions: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro sprinkled on just before serving can brighten the dish and add freshness.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

To make a complete meal out of your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. The crunch of fresh greens balances the creamy, hearty casserole. You could also provide a selection of crusty bread or garlic bread for those who love to soak up every last bit of sauce.

For a fun twist, serve with salsas or hot sauces for those who enjoy a little heat, or offer pickled jalapeños on the side for an extra kick. A fruity dessert like a berry salad or a light cake can be the perfect sweet end to this hearty meal.

Nutritional Information

One serving of Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole (about 1 cup) has approximately 400 calories. This makes for a fulfilling meal while providing a nice balance of protein from the beef, carbs from the rice, and fats from the cheese. If you’re looking to make the dish a bit healthier, you can use brown rice instead of white for added fiber and nutrients.

Keep in mind that while this dish is satisfying, moderation is key, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake or enjoying it as part of a balanced diet.

Storing Tips & Variations for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Storing your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is easy. Allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

For variations, feel free to adapt the recipe based on what you have on hand. Different rice varieties like wild rice or quinoa can add unique flavors and textures. Additionally, you could incorporate various spices to match your taste preferences.

Conclusion for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that deserves a spot in your meal rotation. It’s comforting, simple to make, and packed with flavors that appeal to all ages. With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward preparation method, this dish is ready to win over your family or nourish you on a cozy evening. Don’t hesitate—try this recipe today; your taste buds and loved ones will thank you.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

2. What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade white sauce as a substitute.

3. How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add in some diced green chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for an extra kick.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.

5. Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Certainly! Substitute the ground beef with lentils, beans, or your favorite meat alternative, and ensure the cream of mushroom soup is vegetarian-friendly.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

A comforting dish with layers of savory ground beef, tender rice, and gooey melted cheese, perfect for family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef Choose high-quality beef for a richer flavor.
• 1 small onion, chopped Adds a sweet and aromatic base.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses a delightful depth of flavor.
• 1 cup uncooked rice Use long-grain white rice for the best texture.
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup Creates a creamy and savory sauce.
• 1.5 cups beef broth Adds moisture and enhances the beef flavor.
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese Use sharp for more flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt To enhance all the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Adds a hint of spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika Provides a subtle smokiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano Adds a touch of herbaceous flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the beef and vegetables.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the ground beef, onion, and minced garlic, and sauté until the beef is browned and the onions become soft.
4. Stir in the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano until evenly combined.

Baking

1. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
2. Cover the dish with foil and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
3. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Serving

1. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, meaty goodness!

Notes

Consider using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Add frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Use different types of cheese to suit your taste.