cheesy ground beef and rice casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
cheesy ground beef and rice casserole recipe
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The Best cheesy ground beef and rice casserole recipe

I love a good, hearty casserole, and this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole recipe is one of my family’s favorites. It’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. The combination of tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese creates a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. It is a perfect recipe for a busy family.

The key to this dish is browning the beef and cooking the rice separately before combining them with the cheese sauce. This ensures that each component is cooked perfectly and the flavors meld together beautifully. The casserole is also a great way to sneak in some extra protein and fiber into your diet. My kids always love it, and it’s easy to make in large batches for leftovers.

It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with different vegetables or spices. I often add some mixed vegetables to make it even more nutritious. This casserole is not only satisfying but also nutritious. It’s a great source of protein from the beef and cheese, and the rice provides carbohydrates for energy.

The cheese adds a richness that makes the dish feel indulgent, but it’s balanced out by the lean protein and fiber. This casserole is a perfect recipe for a family dinner. My husband and I love it, and our kids always ask for seconds. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

It’s a dish that brings everyone together and reminds me of the joy of home cooking. It’s a recipe that I’ve been making for years, and it’s always a hit. It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your home too.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

4.9 from 1743 votes

This hearty and comforting casserole features tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s a perfect dish for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked white rice
2 cups water
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3Drain off any excess fat.
4When the surface of the meat changes color to a brownish color and the water that was in the meat is gone, add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
5Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.
6Stir in the salt, black pepper, and paprika.
7Transfer the beef mixture to a plate and set aside.
8In a medium saucepan, combine the uncooked rice and water.
9Bring to a boil over high heat.
10Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
11Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
12If the rice is not cooked properly, it will be hard and chewy.
13It is important to let the rice sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the steam to escape.
14In the same skillet used for the beef, stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup of water.
15Cook over medium heat until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
16Stir in the cooked rice and beef mixture until well combined.
17If the sauce is too thick, add more water to reach your desired consistency.
18Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
19If the cheese is not fully melted, continue to stir over low heat until it is smooth and creamy.
20Transfer the beef and rice mixture to an 8×8-inch baking dish.
21Sprinkle any remaining cheese on top.
22Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
23If the top starts to burn, cover it with foil.
24Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
25This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.
26Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Medium saucepan with lid
8×8-inch baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add your favorite vegetables to the casserole, such as bell peppers or peas, for extra nutrition. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option. To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.

Watch Video Of How Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Works

This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is a great dish to have on hand for any occasion. It is a perfect recipe for a family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday gathering. It is also a great dish to make ahead of time and freeze for later. It reheats well and is perfect for a quick and easy meal. It is a versatile dish that can be customized with different vegetables or spices. It is a dish that brings everyone together and reminds me of the joy of home cooking. This casserole is a recipe that I’ve been making for years, and it’s always a hit. It is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. It is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. This casserole is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering.

It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. This casserole is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. This casserole is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. It is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. It is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. It is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. It is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering.

It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. It is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. This casserole is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. It is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. It is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. This casserole is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. It is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering.

It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. It is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. This casserole is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. It is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. It is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too. It is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. Ground turkey is a leaner option and will still provide a good amount of protein. Keep in mind that ground turkey may have less flavor than ground beef, so you might want to add extra seasonings or spices to enhance the taste. Cook the ground turkey over medium heat until it is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. You can assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. You can also freeze individual portions in airtight containers for easy meal prep.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use a different type of cheese in this recipe. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses. If you prefer a sharper flavor, you can use a sharper cheddar or a different type of cheese that has a strong flavor. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a mild cheddar or a different type of cheese that has a milder flavor.

5. Can I make this casserole in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this casserole in the slow cooker. Combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, rice, cream of mushroom soup, and water in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and the rice is cooked. Stir in the cheese until melted and fully incorporated. If the casserole is too thin, you can cook it on the stovetop over medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency. If the casserole is too thick, you can add more water to reach your desired consistency. Serve hot and enjoy.

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