A Cozy Classic for Busy Weeknights
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a hot, bubbling casserole pulled fresh from the oven. This one is especially satisfying, filled with savory ground beef, tender rice, creamy sauce, and plenty of melty cheddar cheese. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is hearty, budget-friendly, and comes together with pantry staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ground beef – Use 1 pound of lean ground beef (ideally 85% lean or leaner) to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
Onion – One medium onion, finely chopped, adds sweetness and depth of flavor as it cooks with the beef.
Garlic – Two cloves, minced. Garlic gives the casserole a fragrant, savory undertone.
Salt – One teaspoon, or adjust to taste.
Black pepper – Half a teaspoon for a mild kick.
Paprika – One teaspoon adds warmth and a subtle smokiness.
Cream of mushroom soup – One 10.5-ounce can. This forms the creamy, flavorful base of the casserole.
Sour cream – One cup, which adds tanginess and makes the sauce extra rich.
Milk – Half a cup to help thin the sauce just enough to coat everything evenly.
Cooked white rice – One and a half cups. Day-old rice works great here, but fresh works too.
Shredded cheddar cheese – Two cups total. One cup goes into the mixture; the other is sprinkled on top.
Frozen peas (optional) – About half a cup, for a sweet pop of color and texture.
Fresh parsley (optional) – A tablespoon of chopped parsley adds brightness to finish the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter to keep the casserole from sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it browns. After 2–3 minutes, stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent — about 5 to 6 minutes total.
Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine well. Once everything is cooked and seasoned, drain any excess fat if needed. This step is key to keeping the final casserole from becoming too greasy.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, combine the following:
The can of cream of mushroom soup
Sour cream
Milk
The cooked ground beef mixture
Cooked rice
One cup of shredded cheddar cheese
If using frozen peas, stir them in now — no need to thaw first, as they’ll cook in the oven. Stir everything until the mixture is evenly combined and coated in the sauce. It should look creamy but thick.
Tip: You can use pre-cooked rice from a packet or leftovers from another meal to save time.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the dish. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a cheesy crust that melts and browns beautifully as it bakes.
Optional Add-On: For added crunch and texture, you can top the cheese with a light layer of crushed butter crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top is fully melted and slightly golden, and the edges of the casserole are bubbling.
Let the casserole rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows it to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top if desired. This adds a touch of color and a hint of freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich, creamy interior.
Serve warm. It’s delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or some warm garlic bread.
Customization Ideas
This casserole is extremely adaptable. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
Change the protein: Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner alternative.
Add more vegetables: Mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, diced zucchini, or even spinach can be stirred in for extra nutrition and color.
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for some heat.
Try other soups: If you’re not a fan of mushroom, try cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even cheddar soup for a different flavor profile.
Go gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cream soup and ensure any optional breadcrumbs or crackers are also gluten-free.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To store: Let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To freeze: Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly in aluminum foil and freeze. It can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat:
For individual portions, microwave on medium heat until warmed through.
For larger portions or the whole dish, reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
Final Notes
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again. It’s dependable, deeply satisfying, and loved by kids and adults alike. It also makes great leftovers and is a smart option for meal prep, potlucks, or whenever you need a fuss-free comfort food classic.
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