Description
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole that combines savory ground beef with tender rice, creamy mushroom soup, and melty cheddar cheese baked to perfection. This easy American comfort food is perfect for family dinners and is customizable with vegetables and soup substitutions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Onions and Brown Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning into the browned beef mixture. Drain excess grease if necessary to avoid excess fat in the casserole.
- Combine Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef mixture with the uncooked rice, beef broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (including the liquid). Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese to incorporate cheesy flavor throughout.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture during baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and cook through.
- Uncover and Add Cheese: Carefully remove the foil, gently stir the casserole to mix, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cheddar soup for a different flavor profile.
- Add frozen peas, bell peppers, or other vegetables for extra nutrition and color.
- If using brown rice, increase the broth amount and extend the bake time to ensure the rice cooks properly.
- The recipe is kid-friendly, but you can adjust the seasoning to taste for more or less spice.
