Looking for the perfect comfort food that brings everyone to the table with big smiles? This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is your new go-to! With layers of flavor, a creamy texture, and a cheesy top, this dish offers a delightful blend of ground beef, tender rice, and gooey cheddar cheese. It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family Favorite: This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults love, making family mealtime a joy.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, it’s perfect even for busy weeknights when you want wholesome homemade comfort.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit dietary needs or tastes, making it as unique as you are.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare in advance and bake when needed, saving you time without compromising flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole lies in its straightforward ingredients that harmonize to create an irresistible dish. Each component, from the ground beef to the gooey cheddar cheese, plays a crucial role in building a satisfying meal for any gathering.
- Ground Beef (85% lean): Adds a rich and savory base to the casserole, balancing the dish nicely with its hearty texture.
- Beef Broth: Infuses the rice with flavor, making each bite savory and delicious.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Contributes to the casserole’s creamy consistency, ensuring every spoonful is deliciously smooth.
- Cheddar Cheese: The star ingredient that forms a melty, tantalizing topping everyone craves.
- Mushrooms: Add a subtle, earthy flavor that elevates the overall richness of the dish.
Variations
It’s so easy to tweak this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole to fit your preferences. Whether you’re accommodating dietary restrictions or just feeling creative, the possibilities are nearly endless.
- Vegetable Swap: Replace mushrooms with peas, carrots, or corn for a different twist on flavor and texture.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack if you want to switch up the cheese blend for new flavors.
- Herb and Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick or fresh herbs like parsley for a bright finish.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s beautifully browned. Season it generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to layer in flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Mixture
Melt butter in the same pot and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add beef broth, rice, and mushrooms, then cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavorful broth completely.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Mix in the cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until it creates a creamy, luscious base for the casserole.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, spread it evenly, and sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top. Bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Temperature Savvy: Ensure your oven is preheated to maintain consistent cooking and allow cheese to melt evenly on top.
- Quick Prep: Dice onions and measure ingredients ahead of time to streamline your cooking process and save time.
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to two days in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator. Simply add extra baking time for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
- Ingredient Selection: Opt for high-quality cheddar cheese to enhance the depth of flavor without adding effort.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Garnishes
Top your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a simple garden salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Their crisp textures and fresh flavors complement the hearty casserole beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in ramekins for a fun twist, or present the whole dish tableside in a decorative casserole dish to invite family-style dining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It retains its comforting goodness for when you’re ready for another helping.
Freezing
Freeze the casserole in portions or as a whole for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cover it well with foil or a freezer-safe lid to keep freshness locked in.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual servings for a quick fix. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different taste profile.
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Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, by skipping the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add more veggies for substance and nutrition.
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Is it possible to prepare the dish without mushrooms?
Certainly! Substitute mushrooms with other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to maintain texture and flavor variety.
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How do I ensure my rice is perfectly cooked?
Ensure that you’re using proper measurements of broth to rice, and cook until the rice is tender, checking for doneness before combining with other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about sharing a warm, homemade meal like the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with loved ones. Its comforting flavors and inviting aroma make it a dish you’ll find yourself returning to time and again. So, fire up your oven and let this deliciously cheesy creation delight your dinner table tonight!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is a hearty, satisfying comfort food dish that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners. It features seasoned ground beef combined with tender rice, mushrooms, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, baked to perfection for a golden topping and melty cheese that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice Mixture:
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3/4 cup onions, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/4 cups uncooked white long grain rice
- 8 oz. sliced button mushrooms, washed
- 10.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare Rice Mixture: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter, then cook diced onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, beef broth, uncooked rice, and sliced mushrooms. Stir well and bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked ground beef into the rice mixture. Add cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes at 350°F before serving.
- Feel free to swap the mushrooms with frozen peas, carrots, or corn for variation.
- Leftovers freeze well for later meals.
- For a creamier version, use homemade mushroom soup or substitute with cream of chicken soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
