Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

why make this recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a fantastic dish that brings comfort to dinner tables. It’s easy to make and requires simple ingredients that you likely already have at home. This casserole is not just satisfying; it’s also a great way to use up leftover rice or ground beef. Plus, with the cheesy topping, it’s a hit with both kids and adults. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday family dinners.

how to make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Ingredients :

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1/2 cup milk or beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble: In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix well to combine.
6. Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Finish baking: Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping.
9. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

how to serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Serve the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole hot from the oven. It makes a great main dish. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with some warm bread on the side to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce.

how to store Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

tips to make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• For extra flavor, you can add some vegetables like bell peppers or peas to the beef mixture.
• If you want a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• For a creamier casserole, consider using a mix of sour cream and cream of mushroom soup.
• To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice or even frozen mixed vegetables.

variation

You can easily switch out the meat for ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, use black beans or lentils instead of meat, and add more vegetables. You can also try different types of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
   Absolutely! Brown rice works well in this recipe, but make sure it is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.

3. What can I serve with this casserole?
   A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pairs wonderfully with this dish. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a tasty side.

4. Can I use a different soup?
   Yes! You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or even a cheese soup for a different flavor.

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