Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
A comforting and hearty casserole that combines ground beef, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked white rice Use pre-cooked rice for best texture.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1/2 cup milk or beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 tsp paprika Adds a warm, smoky flavor.
- 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 over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix well to combine.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for longer storage. Ensure to use pre-cooked rice for best results.