If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that hits all the right notes, this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with savory browned ground beef, tender rice, and creamy mushroom soup, all crowned with a golden, gooey cheddar crust, this dish promises warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, it’s an easy-to-make casserole that feels like a big, delicious hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe truly shine, you’ll want simple yet flavorful ingredients that each add their own special touch. From the rich ground beef to the melty cheddar topping, every component plays a vital role in creating this classic comfort food.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base providing savory richness and protein.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant aroma and punchy flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white or brown): Brings texture and bulk, soaking up all the good flavors.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken): Creates creamy moisture and classic casserole texture.
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water): Loosens the mixture and enriches taste.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami boost.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Gives a subtle herbal hint that brightens the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): The star of the topping, melting into a golden crust.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch): Sprinkled on top to add a delightful crisp texture.
How to Make Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and gives the crust a beautiful golden edge.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart into small crumbles. Once it’s browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat. Then add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften and become fragrant. This step layers in flavor and starts building the delicious base of the casserole.
Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Filling
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Stir in your cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly and let it heat for about 3-4 minutes. This combination creates a creamy, flavorful filling that binds perfectly when baked.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the beef and rice mixture into your prepared casserole dish and evenly spread it out. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top—this will melt into a luscious, cheesy blanket. If you like an extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese layer now. It’s the perfect touch for texture contrast.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. For a stunning golden crust, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. This finishing step creates that irresistible cheddar crust everyone loves in this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe.
Step 6: Let it Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. This resting time helps everything set so it holds together when you scoop it onto plates. You can also add fresh garnishes if you like.
How to Serve Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, parsley, or even a sprinkle of paprika gives this casserole a pop of color and a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness. These little touches instantly elevate the dish from homey to beautiful.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans. The freshness and crunch create a well-rounded meal, balancing the creamy and cheesy nature of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small oven-safe dishes for personalized portions. You can also top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of ripe avocado for added creaminess and a modern touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe makes great leftovers. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It tastes just as comforting the next day when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it fully and cover tightly before freezing. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions until hot. Either way, you’ll get that gooey, melty goodness back in no time.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and a bit more chew, and it works perfectly in this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer, you can swap in cream of chicken soup or even make a quick homemade béchamel sauce to keep it creamy and delicious.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them altogether. Also, double-check that the soup and Worcestershire sauce you use are gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or shredded carrots to add more color and nutrition.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
A sharp cheddar provides a wonderful tang and richness that complements the beef well, but mild cheddar works fine if you prefer a subtler taste.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Easy enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to serve guests, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your go-to dinner rotation. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with every cheesy, savory bite.
Print
Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring a savory blend of browned ground beef, tender rice, and a creamy mushroom soup base, it’s topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese and an optional crunchy breadcrumb crust. Simple to prepare and baked to golden perfection, this casserole combines rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Then add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion softens.
- Prepare the Casserole Filling: Stir the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Mix everything until well combined and heated through, around 3-4 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef and rice mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. If you like extra crunch, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden crust, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs or chopped green onions to add a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Using cooked rice saves time and prevents the casserole from becoming too mushy.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup if you prefer a different flavor base.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely.
- Broiling at the end creates a nice golden and crispy cheese crust—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
