There’s something truly special about a warm, cheesy casserole that fills the house with delicious scents. The Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, bringing families together around the dinner table. This recipe is not just about satisfying hunger; it’s about creating memories, sharing laughter, and comforting those you love. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, perfect for any occasion.
At the heart of this casserole are simple, yet flavorful ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of uncooked rice, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 2 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1 chopped onion, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. The result is a wonderfully creamy, hearty dish that combines the savory flavors of beef and onion with the creaminess of the soup and cheese. The optional green peas or corn add a lovely touch of color and sweetness, making each bite a delight.
The cooking process is straightforward and enjoyable, making it an ideal choice for cooks of all skill levels. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), brown the ground beef with onion and garlic, mix in the rice and soup, and then pour everything into a baking dish. Top it with cheese and let the oven work its magic. In just a bit over 40 minutes, you’ll have a bubbling, golden casserole ready to be shared with family or enjoyed as a cozy dinner.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to bring comfort on a chilly night or something special for a potluck, this casserole fits the bill perfectly. It’s sure to please everyone at the table, leaving them satisfied and happy.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Quick: This recipe comes together easily in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the required ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up without a special trip to the store.
- Comfort Food: The creamy texture and cheesy top create a heartwarming dish that everyone will love.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this dish by adding in your favorite vegetables or using different types of cheese.
- Family-Friendly: It’s the kind of meal that even picky eaters will enjoy, ensuring the whole family is satisfied.
Ground Beef Tips
When selecting your ground beef for this recipe, look for a mix that is around 80% lean. This will provide a good balance of flavor and moisture. It will add richness to your casserole while ensuring it doesn’t become too greasy. For better texture, try to find beef that has been freshly ground at the butcher counter, if possible. This meat will have better flavor and superior freshness, making your dish even more delicious. Always check for a bright red color and a clean smell, avoiding any bruised areas that indicate lesser quality.
Options for Substitutions
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap out ground beef for a leaner alternative for a healthier version.
- Brown Rice: Use brown rice for added nutrition; just note it may require a bit more liquid and cooking time.
- Cream of Potato Soup: For a different flavor, substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of potato or any cream soup you prefer.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Replace beef broth with vegetable or chicken broth if you want a lighter taste.
- Mozzarella or Pepper Jack Cheese: Change up the flavor by using mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a bit of spice.
- Frozen Vegetables: Toss in frozen vegetables like corn, peas, or mixed veggies for added nutrition without extra prep.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common pitfall while preparing casseroles is not browning the beef properly. Make sure to cook it until it is fully browned and crumbled to avoid an uneven texture. Additionally, be cautious with your seasoning. Too little salt can result in bland flavors, while too much can overwhelm the dish. Taste as you go to ensure balance.
Be mindful of the cooking time, especially when adding extra ingredients. If you load the casserole with additional vegetables, you may need to extend cooking time to ensure everything is cooked through. Lastly, avoid lifting the foil too early during baking. This could interrupt the steaming process, preventing the rice from cooking completely and leading to a dry casserole.
What to Serve With Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?
This casserole is a meal by itself but can be beautifully complemented by a fresh salad, such as a simple garden salad with light vinaigrette. Steamed broccoli or green beans add a colorful and nutritious touch. For a heartier side, consider serving some crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy goodness. You can also enjoy it with a side of fruit to balance out the meal.
Storage Instructions
Store: Allow leftovers to cool fully before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within 3-4 days.
Freeze: If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also use the microwave; just ensure to cover it to keep it from drying out.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 6-8
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 1,500-1,800
Protein: 100-120g
Fat: 85-95g
Carbohydrates: 100-120g
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: green peas or corn
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, prepare your baking dish by greasing it lightly to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess fat before moving on.
Step 3: Combine Key Ingredients
In the same skillet, stir in the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Transfer Mixture to Baking Dish
Pour the beef and rice mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top of the casserole mixture. This will create a delicious cheesy crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. This allows the rice to cook properly and absorb the flavors.
Step 7: Bake Uncovered
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to become bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This helps concentrate the flavors and makes it easier to portion.
In conclusion, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is not only simple to make, but it also delivers comforting flavors that everyone will love. I invite you to try this recipe and enjoy the warmth it brings to your table. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments and explore our other delicious recipes that can elevate your cooking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just adjust the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap out the ground beef for a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How do I make it spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A warm, cheesy casserole that combines ground beef, rice, and creamy soup for a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: green peas or corn
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is done and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Mix until combined and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Customize with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Great for potlucks or a cozy family dinner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg