Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Indulge in this delicious cheesy ground beef and rice casserole, a perfect comfort food option that's quick and satisfying for busy weeknight dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef Choose lean for a healthier option.
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For added flavor.
- 2 cups cooked white rice Can use leftover rice.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup Can substitute with cream of chicken.
- 1/2 cup milk or beef broth Use broth for more flavor.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Divided for layering.
- 1 tsp paprika For seasoning.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the lean ground beef with the diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In the greased baking dish, combine the cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix everything well.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy top if desired.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. Consider adding frozen vegetables for extra nutrition or using different cheese varieties.