Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty American classic that combines savory browned ground beef, tender rice, creamy mushroom soup, and a melty layer of cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, this easy one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners and can be customized with added vegetables or rice substitutions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Optional Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon to crumble evenly.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, enhancing flavor.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, 2 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, and 1 can drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix to combine evenly.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer on the stovetop, allowing flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it melts into the savory mixture.
- Transfer and Bake Covered: Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Top with Remaining Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but increase the baking time by 15–20 minutes and ensure adequate liquid to cook the rice through.
- For extra nutrition and flavor, stir in frozen peas or diced bell peppers into the mixture prior to baking.
- Use gluten-free condensed soup to make this recipe gluten-free.
