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cheesy ground beef and rice casserole topped with melted cheddar and fresh parsley in a white bowl

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Emily Wilson
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting dinner made with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy baked casserole uses simple pantry staples and comes together in just 45 minutes. Family friendly, freezer friendly, and ideal for meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

Casserole Base

  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef 85 to 90 percent lean
  • 1 small Yellow Onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced

Rice Layer

  • 2 cups Cooked White Rice preferably cooled or day old

Creamy Sauce

  • 10.5 oz can Cream of Mushroom Soup or cream of chicken
  • 1/2 cup Milk or Beef Broth
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Cheese Topping

  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded divided

Instructions
 

  • Preheat 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 for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and onions are soft. Drain excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  • Add cooked rice to the beef mixture and stir gently to combine. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  • Pour sauce evenly over the beef and rice mixture. Stir lightly to coat. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use slightly cooled rice to prevent a mushy texture. For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while browning. To make it lighter, substitute part of the rice with cauliflower rice. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts:
•Calories: 450 kcal
•Carbohydrates: 38 g
•Protein: 25 g
•Total Fat: 24 g
•Saturated Fat: 11 g
•Cholesterol: 85 mg
•Sodium: 720 mg
•Potassium: 420 mg
•Fiber: 2 g
•Sugar: 4 g
•Vitamin A: 550 IU
•Vitamin C: 4 mg
•Calcium: 320 mg
•Iron: 3 mg