Sure! Here’s a long, detailed recipe for a rich, hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole — the ultimate comfort food with tender beef, fluffy rice, creamy sauce, and melty cheese baked to bubbly perfection. This dish is super customizable, budget-friendly, and family-approved.
🧀 Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Creamy, cheesy, beefy, and absolutely satisfying — this casserole is comfort food at its finest.
🛒 Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80–90% lean)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 ¼ cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for melt/stretch)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup frozen corn or peas
- ½ cup diced bell pepper or green chilies
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms (fresh or canned)
- ¼ tsp cayenne or hot sauce for spice
- 1 tbsp tomato paste for a deeper umami
Topping (optional):
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Colby Jack
- ¼ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish or similar size baking dish.
2. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil or butter.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Cook until fully browned (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease.
🍅 Optional: Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste at this point for extra depth.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and turn off heat.
3. Make the Sauce Mixture
In a large bowl, mix the following:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Sour cream
- Beef broth
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
🧄 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning. You can add a pinch of onion powder, chili flakes, or more Worcestershire here.
4. Combine the Casserole
- In a separate large bowl (or directly in the baking dish), combine:
- Uncooked rice
- Beef mixture
- Soup mixture
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar
- Any optional veggies (like corn, peppers, mushrooms)
- Mix everything together until well incorporated.
5. Transfer and Top
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and smooth out the top.
Optional Topping:
- Mix ½ cup shredded cheese with crushed crackers or panko and melted butter.
- Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
6. Bake the Casserole
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden.
🍽️ Tip: If the top isn’t browning, broil for 1–2 minutes — but watch closely!
7. Rest and Serve
- Let casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or a dash of hot sauce if desired.
🌟 Recipe Variations & Upgrades
🧀 Cheese Lovers:
- Add Velveeta, pepper jack, or gouda to the cheese mix for extra meltiness.
- Sprinkle cheese inside and on top for double layers of gooey goodness.
🌶️ Spicy Upgrade:
- Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Substitute paprika with chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
🥦 Sneaky Veggies:
- Fold in chopped spinach, broccoli, zucchini, or cauliflower rice.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables for extra bulk and nutrition.
🐄 Protein Swaps:
- Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option.
🍚 Rice Alternatives:
- Use cooked brown rice (adjust baking time).
- Try quinoa, couscous, or orzo if precooked.
🥡 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
- Freeze whole casserole or portions (wrapped in foil or in containers) for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat:
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions for 1–2 minutes with a splash of water or broth to loosen.
🍷 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Garlic bread, rolls, or cornbread make excellent sidekicks.
- Serve with a light red wine (like Pinot Noir) or a classic iced tea.
Would you like a printable version, a slow cooker variation, or a low-carb substitute with cauliflower rice?