Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Food often weaves the strongest ties among family and friends. Growing up, our household had a go-to recipe that appealed to everyone—a cheesy ground beef rice casserole. This dish perfectly balances comfort and convenience, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner.

Every time I prepared this casserole, the aroma would fill the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. The melted cheese, savory beef, and creamy texture created a delightful ensemble of flavors. It brings back wonderful memories of laughter, stories, and shared meals. Cheesy ground beef rice casserole symbolizes comfort food at its finest.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You can easily whip up this cheesy casserole without fuss or elaborate techniques. It utilizes everyday ingredients, showcasing how creativity and love can turn basic components into something special. This recipe not only delights the palate but also serves as a bonding experience for family members.

Now let’s explore the journey of making this delicious cheesy ground beef rice casserole, where every step reveals the joy of cooking and sharing food together.

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Fundamentals

Cheesy ground beef rice casserole combines ground beef, rice, and cheese in a single dish that comforts in every bite. This recipe works well for both busy weeknights and gatherings. The ground beef forms a flavor-packed base loaded with textures from tender rice and melted cheddar cheese.

When crafting this dish, you’ll blend classic culinary components: beef, rice, and creaminess from sour cream and cream of mushroom soup. Each ingredient plays a vital role, transforming the casserole into a hearty meal that pleases both kids and adults alike. The paprika adds depth to the flavor profile and balances the richness of the cheese and cream.

Preparation/setup

To create a perfect cheesy ground beef rice casserole, you need to gather your ingredients first. Ensure you have 1 pound of ground beef, a small onion, two cloves of garlic, 1 cup of long grain white rice, 2 cups of beef broth, a can of cream of mushroom soup, and 1 cup of sour cream. Don’t forget the crucial 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, both for mixing in and topping.

Prep your kitchen by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for the baking. Set out a large oven-safe skillet to streamline your cooking process. Cutting the onion and garlic in advance saves time during cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions

Directions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it loses its pink color. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

Next, season the mixture with paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors. Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it gets evenly coated with the savory beef mixture.

Pour in the beef broth, followed by the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix everything thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld together. Bring the dish to a simmer, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the rice can absorb some liquid.

After simmering, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese atop the mixture. Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese becomes bubbly. Just before serving, top it with the remaining cheddar cheese and optional garnishes like chopped parsley or green onions for that extra color and flavor.

Variations on Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Technique

Cheesy ground beef rice casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a culinary canvas. You can adapt this dish to fit seasonal ingredients or personal preferences. For instance, swapping the ground beef for turkey or using cauliflower rice for lighter options can give this recipe entirely new dimensions.

The technique of layering flavors contributes significantly to the dish’s final result. By browning the beef and softening the onions and garlic before adding the other components, you develop a deeper flavor base. This step allows the garlic and onion to infuse the meat with their aromatic qualities, enhancing the overall dish.

Tips/tricks

To enhance the flavor even further, consider adding additional spices like cumin or chili powder. Toss in some sautéed bell peppers for a pop of color and crunch. Preparing a batch ahead of time makes for a quick weeknight meal. Simply assemble the casserole and refrigerate for a couple of days. When ready to bake, pop it into the oven straight from the fridge—just be aware that it may require a few extra minutes of cooking time.

If the casserole appears too dry after baking, gently mix in a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture before serving. Leftovers also make a fabulous lunch the next day, as the flavors continue to meld.

Perfecting Your Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Perfecting results

Baking this casserole to perfection means watching both the texture and taste. One way to check the rice for doneness is by tasting a few grains midway through the cooking. If they still have a crunch, give them more time to absorb the liquid.

Using high-quality ingredients significantly impacts the outcome. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall flavor, and using cheese that you love will ensure satisfaction. For those who enjoy a little crunch, add some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top during the last few minutes of baking.

Troubleshooting/variations

Overcrowding the skillet when browning the beef can lead to steaming instead of browning. Do this in batches if necessary to achieve that wonderful browning effect. For a richer taste, consider using a mix of ground chuck and ground sirloin or experimenting with different brands of cream of mushroom soup.

If you find that the casserole isn’t as creamy as you’d like, incorporating an extra dollop of sour cream just before baking can help, creating an even richer consistency.

Presentation and Serving Ideas

Serving/presentation

Once baked, serve the cheesy ground beef rice casserole straight from the oven for that cozy appeal. The melted cheese on top creates a delightful golden crust letting everyone know they’re in for a treat. Presenting the dish in your oven-safe skillet emphasizes the homemade charm and makes clean-up a breeze.

For a pop of color, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving. They add a refreshing contrast against the rich and cheesy flavors.

Pairings/storage

Cheesy ground beef rice casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. A side of garlic bread complements the rich flavors and provides a perfect textural contrast.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish also freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual servings.

Enjoy this comforting cheesy ground beef rice casserole as part of your family’s culinary traditions or share it with friends at gatherings. Each bite offers nostalgic warmth and satisfaction, making it easily a new fan favorite in your home kitchen.

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting and easy cheesy ground beef rice casserole that brings the family together with its rich flavors and creamy texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it loses its pink color.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft, about 3-4 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
4. Season the mixture with paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it is evenly coated.
6. Pour in the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly and bring to a simmer.
7. Cover and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
8. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese atop the mixture.
9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and cheese is bubbly.
10. Top with remaining cheese and optional garnishes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add spices or sautéed vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for meal prep.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: casserole, cheesy, ground beef, rice, comfort food, family recipe