Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly weeknight dinner that combines tender ground beef, fluffy rice, savory seasonings, and gooey melted cheese all in one baked dish. It’s hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole is perfect for busy nights or when you need a fuss-free crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Casserole Base
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
For Flavor & Texture
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper until the beef is fully browned and vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, just until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the browned beef mixture, uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, beef broth, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover tightly with foil to trap moisture during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Try adding a handful of frozen corn or peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day and reheat well in the microwave.
- Sharp cheddar works best for a bold cheesy flavor, but you can try mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.8g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
