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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

A cozy, family-friendly casserole that delivers cheesy, satisfying comfort food with minimal fuss.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 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
  • 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
  1. In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix well to combine.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
Baking
  1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  3. Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping.
Serving
  1. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Use day-old or chilled cooked rice for best texture; freshly made hot rice can make the casserole watery. Drain excess fat from the browned beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Adjust the soup and milk ratio if you prefer a thicker or saucier casserole. Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn with the rice for added color and nutrition. For extra flavor, sauté the onion in a bit of butter until caramelized before adding the beef.