When comfort food calls, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole answers with a big, warm hug! Packed with savory ground beef, creamy soups, tender rice, and a generous layer of melted cheddar, this dish is the ultimate family-friendly meal. It’s one of those recipes that comes together effortlessly yet delivers maximum coziness—perfect for busy weeknights or a lazy weekend dinner. I love how the cheesy top gets all bubbly and golden in the oven. Ready to dig into some serious comfort? Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cheesy casserole:
1 lb ground beef – The hearty, savory star of the dish.
1 small onion, diced – Adds sweet, aromatic depth.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Bold flavor in every bite.
1 teaspoon salt – Brings out all the goodness.
½ teaspoon black pepper – A warm, classic kick.
½ teaspoon paprika – A hint of smokiness and color.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Creamy, earthy richness.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – Smooth and savory comfort.
1 ½ cups cooked white rice – Tender and ready to soak up flavor.
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided) – Melty, cheesy perfection.
½ cup sour cream – A tangy, creamy boost.
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish – A fresh, green finish.
Gather these pantry staples, and you’re set for a cozy meal!
Prep Time & Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes – Quick cooking and mixing.
Cook Time: 35 minutes – Time to bake it golden and bubbly.
Total Time: 50 minutes – Comfort food worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with ease—here’s how:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep things from sticking.
Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Season It Up: Stir in the salt, black pepper, and paprika, mixing well to coat the beef evenly.
Mix the Filling: Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, cooked rice, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream to the skillet. Stir until everything’s well combined into a creamy, hearty mixture.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top for that melty finish.
Bake It: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve Hot: Garnish with chopped parsley if you like, and serve straight from the oven while it’s warm and gooey!
Tips & Tricks
Make this casserole even better with these handy hints:
Rice Prep: Use leftover rice or cook it ahead to save time—just make sure it’s not too mushy.
Cheese Boost: Mix in some mozzarella or pepper jack with the cheddar for extra stretch or spice.
Veggie Add-Ins: Toss in diced bell peppers or peas for color and nutrition.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the beef for a little kick.
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready—just add 10 extra minutes if baking cold.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a meal in itself, but these sides round it out:
Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed with garlic for a simple, fresh side.
Dinner Rolls: Warm rolls to scoop up that creamy goodness.
Side Salad: A crisp salad with ranch dressing to lighten things up.
Sweet Tea: A cold glass of iced tea for true comfort vibes.
Storage & Reheating
Here’s how to enjoy this casserole later (it’s great as leftovers!):
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist. Or microwave in 30-second bursts until hot.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat—the texture may soften slightly.
Nutrition Info
This dish is hearty and indulgent! Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 24g – From the beef and cheese.
Fat: 32g (Saturated Fat: 14g) – From the beef, cheese, and soups.
Carbohydrates: 24g – Mostly from the rice.
Fiber: 1g – A little from the onion.
Sugar: 2g – Naturally occurring in the soups.
Sodium: 1200mg – Varies with soups and salt; adjust to taste.
Note: Values are estimates and depend on specific brands or portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the kind of dish that warms your soul—one bite of that creamy, cheesy goodness, and you’re hooked. It’s so easy to throw together with everyday ingredients, yet it feels like a special treat every time. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying cozy leftovers, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep close. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out—or if you tweak it your way! Happy baking!
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