Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Table of Contents

A satisfying, filling recipe, Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole bakes delicate rice, gooey cheese, and seasoned ground beef into a delectable casserole. It’s ideal for meal planning for the coming week or for a midweek supper. Here’s a simple recipe for this hearty meal:

Components:

One pound of ground beef
One cup of raw rice, either brown or white
1 1/2 cups of chicken or beef broth
One can (10.5 oz) Cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup
One and a half cups of shredded cheddar cheese, or a combination of your preferred cheeses
One medium onion, chopped
One sliced bell pepper (optional)
Two minced garlic cloves
One teaspoon of ground cumin (optional; adds taste)
One teaspoon of paprika
To taste, add salt and pepper.
One tablespoon of butter or olive oil
For extra creaminess, you can add half a cup of sour cream.
Garnish with green onions or fresh parsley, if desired.

Directions:

1. Prepare the rice:

For added flavor, cook the rice using the beef broth rather than water as directed on the package. When finished, put it away.

2. Get the ground beef cooked:

Heat the butter or olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat.
If using, add the bell pepper and diced onion to the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until they are tender.
Cook for one more minute, or until aromatic, after adding the minced garlic.
Using a spoon, break up the ground beef before adding it to the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper after draining the pan of any extra fat. Mix to blend.

3. Mix the components:

Set the oven temperature to 375°F, or 190°C.
The cooked rice, ground beef combination, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream (if used) should all be combined in a large mixing bowl. Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed.
To make a cheesy base, add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir.

4. Put the casserole together:

Evenly distribute the rice and beef mixture in a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish that has been oiled.
Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese, which should be shredded.

5. Cook:

Bake the dish for 20 to 25 minutes after covering it with aluminum foil. This enables the cheese to melt and the flavors to combine.
After 20 to 25 minutes, take off the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and brown.

6. Offer:

After the casserole has finished cooking, take it out of the oven and leave it for a few minutes.
For a new burst of color and taste, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions, if preferred.

Advice:

Add Veggies: For added taste and nutrients, you can add more vegetables like peas, corn, or mushrooms.
Make it Spicy: To add a little heat, sprinkle the casserole with red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños.
Cheese Options: You can experiment with different cheeses; Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little kick can all be excellent in this recipe.
Make Ahead: The casserole can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready, simply cover with foil and bake.

The whole family will love this creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole!