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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

A cozy casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, tender rice, creamy soup, and plenty of cheddar for a comforting weeknight meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 lb lean ground beef Use lean to reduce grease.
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cooked white rice Day-old or well-cooled rice is recommended.
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken
  • 1/2 cup milk or beef broth
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Divided into two portions.
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. 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.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Assembly and Baking
  1. In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the creamy sauce. Mix well to combine.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  3. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  4. Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping.
Serving
  1. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

This dish reheats well, freezes easily, and is highly customizable. Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or add vegetables for more nutrition.