Description
Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly comforting — this easy cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is a go-to family favorite that combines tender ground beef, savory mushrooms, and perfectly cooked rice all baked together in one dish for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
Grains
- 1 cup uncooked rice
Liquids & Soups
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
Cheese & Seasonings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole.
- Brown the beef and onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef together with the diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion becomes translucent. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Prepare the rice mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Combine beef and rice mixture: Add the cooked ground beef and onions to the bowl with the rice mixture and mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the meat with the rice and soup base.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the combined mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil to prevent the casserole from drying out during baking.
- Bake the casserole: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the rice to cook fully and all flavors to meld together.
- Add cheese topping: Carefully remove the cover and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake until cheese melts: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- For a healthier twist, use brown rice and increase baking time by approximately 10 minutes to ensure it softens completely.
- Add frozen peas or corn along with the rice mixture for extra color and texture.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main / Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
