Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your meal. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can feed a crowd. With hearty ground beef, tender rice, and gooey cheese, this casserole is a perfect choice for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, which means less cleanup for you!
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Making this casserole is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- ¾ cup onions, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 ¼ cups uncooked white long grain rice (not instant)
- 8 oz sliced button mushrooms, washed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk (any kind)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Directions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set it aside.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside, covering it with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the rice: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the uncooked rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms, cover again, and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the rice is tender (check your rice package for specific cooking times).
- Let the rice rest: Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and leave the pot covered for 10 minutes to finish cooking and allow the rice to absorb the remaining broth.
- Combine the ingredients: Stir the cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese (1 cup) into the rice mixture until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional herbs if desired, and enjoy!
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Serve the casserole warm, right from the oven. It pairs well with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables. You can also top it with sour cream or fresh herbs for added flavor.
How to Store Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Use lean ground beef to reduce the amount of grease in the dish.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or peas, for extra nutrition.
- If you want extra cheese, add more than the recommended amounts!
Variation
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use brown rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake it, allow it to come to room temperature before putting it in the oven.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites. Each cheese will give a slightly different flavor.
How long does it take to reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option!
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
For the casserole
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean) Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- ¾ cup onions, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 ¼ cups uncooked white long grain rice (not instant)
- 8 oz sliced button mushrooms Washed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk (any kind)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided Use more if desired.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set it aside.
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Drain any excess grease and cover the beef with foil to keep warm.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the same pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the uncooked rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms, cover again, and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Once cooked, turn off the heat and leave the pot covered for 10 minutes to finish cooking and allow the rice to absorb the remaining broth.
- Stir the cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese into the rice mixture until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional herbs if desired.