There’s something magical about a warm, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven, ready to unite the family around the table. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—a hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you need a meal to feed a crowd. Combining the savory flavors of ground beef, tender rice, and gooey cheddar cheese, this casserole offers a balance of creamy textures and vibrant tastes, thanks to the inclusion of mixed vegetables.
Inspired by the traditional casseroles that graced countless family gatherings, this recipe brings nostalgia and convenience together. With simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll have a delicious dish that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re introducing it as a mainstay in your meal rotation or serving it as a crowd-pleaser at your next event, this recipe is sure to win hearts (and appetites).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples, making it easy and budget-friendly.
- Family-Friendly: A dish everyone, from kids to adults, will enjoy.
- One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, carbs, and veggies in a single, satisfying bake.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble it in advance and bake when needed.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pantry Staples:
- Ground Beef: The backbone of the dish, providing rich, savory flavor.
- White Rice: Absorbs the broth and flavors, resulting in tender grains.
- Beef Broth: Infuses the rice with depth and enhances the casserole’s overall taste.
Flavor Enhancers:
- Onion, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder: Add aromatic layers to the dish.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Balance the flavors and bring out the best in each component.
Creamy and Cheesy Elements:
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: A classic base for casseroles, adding creaminess and umami.
- Cheddar Cheese: The star topping, melted to golden perfection.
Veggie Boost:
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Peas, carrots, and corn add color, texture, and nutrition.
Garnish:
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of freshness and color to elevate the presentation.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature when the casserole goes in. While the oven heats, gather and measure your ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until it browns evenly. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
3. Sauté the Onion
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and tender, allowing its sweetness to complement the beef.
4. Season to Perfection
Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well to ensure every bite is flavorful.
5. Mix the Casserole Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir everything together until evenly distributed.
6. Combine Everything
Incorporate the cooked beef and onion mixture into the rice and vegetable mixture. Stir until fully blended, ensuring the beef is evenly distributed.
7. Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Pour the casserole mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly for uniform cooking.
8. Bake with Care
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture, and bake for 45 minutes. This step allows the rice to cook thoroughly and absorb all the flavors.
9. Add the Cheesy Topping
Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole. Return it to the oven uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.
10. Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a touch of elegance and brightness.
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Choose High-Quality Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded cheddar for better melting and flavor.
- Customize the Veggies: Use your favorite frozen or fresh vegetables to make the dish your own. Broccoli, bell peppers, or green beans work well too.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
- Use Alternative Proteins: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a twist.
- Double the Recipe: This casserole freezes beautifully. Make an extra batch and store it for busy days.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of sauce.
- Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for an extra dose of veggies.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions or the whole casserole (before or after baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Sharing
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Its rich, creamy, and cheesy layers are designed to bring comfort and joy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply feeding your family, this casserole’s universal appeal makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and add more broth since brown rice takes longer to cook.
2. Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Absolutely! Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup are excellent alternatives.
3. Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese and replace the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free cream alternative.
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition in the making. With its ease of preparation, comforting flavors, and versatility, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to create a dish that brings smiles to the tabl
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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This dish is the perfect combination of hearty ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, ideal for cozy weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Season the beef and onion mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
- In a large bowl, mix the uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and frozen mixed vegetables until well blended.
- Add the cooked beef and onion mixture to the rice mixture and stir thoroughly.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly into the dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Not as much a comment as a question, what if you have an allergy to mushrooms? Is there another soup you could us like cream of celery?
yes cream of celery it better