Creating a cheesy ground beef rice casserole is like wrapping your family in a warm, comforting blanket of flavor. I often find myself whipping up this hearty dish during busy weeknights or special family gatherings. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and gooey cheddar cheese creates a savory symphony that doesn’t just fill bellies; it warms hearts too. Whether it’s a rush to get dinner on the table or a cozy family brunch, this casserole is undeniably a go-to for many home cooks.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe isn’t just a jumble of ingredients; it’s a delightful blend that’s sure to become a family favorite. Here’s why you should consider making this cheesy ground beef rice casserole:
- Quick and Easy: With a cook time of just 25-30 minutes and minimal prep, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Using familiar and affordable ingredients like ground beef and rice makes this dish easy on the wallet.
- Kid-Approved: Its cheesy goodness is always a hit with the little ones—trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds!
- Versatile: Whether you serve it during a chill family night or as part of a potluck spread, it fits perfectly in any setting.
"This casserole was a hit at our dinner table! So comforting and easy to make—my kids are already asking for it again!" – A satisfied home cook
Preparing Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Now let’s dive into crafting this savory masterpiece! The process is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. In just a few steps, you’ll be enjoying this delectable dish that combines tasty ground beef, fluffy rice, and a rich cheese topping that everyone will adore.
- Cook Your Proteins and Rice: Start by browning the ground beef to unleash those delicious flavors.
- Mix It Up: Combine your beef with cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and seasonings.
- Layering to Delight: Spread your mixture in a baking dish, top with cheddar cheese, and you’re ready to bake!
With the expectations set and the ingredients gathered, let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.
What You’ll Need
Here’s the ingredient list for this cheesy delight:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to use brown rice for some added nutrients or swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile such as cream of chicken, depending on your preference!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple directions to prepare your casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat.
- Mix Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before diving in.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When it comes to serving this cheesy ground beef rice casserole, the options are delightful. You can enjoy it as a main course, paired with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Considering a family gathering? Serve it alongside garlic bread or crispy coleslaw for a complete meal that satisfies every palate.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you happen to have leftovers (which often doesn’t happen!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigeration: Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the casserole tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the freezer. It can last up to 2-3 months this way. Just be sure to label it with the date!
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, bake it from frozen at 350°F for about 50-60 minutes or until heated through.
Tips for Success
To make your cheesy ground beef rice casserole even better, consider these pro tips:
- Brown the Beef Well: Ensure the beef is well-browned to enhance flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, be gentle to avoid mushy rice.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some chopped veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Creative Twists
Want to mix things up? Here are some variations you can explore:
- Different Cheeses: Try mixing mozzarella or pepper jack cheese with the cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or chili powder for a spicy version of this casserole.
- Protein Swaps: Replace ground beef with turkey or a meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly dish.
Common Questions
How long does it take to prepare?
The total time, including prep and baking, is about 45 minutes.Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Absolutely! You can use any cream soup like cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce.Is it safe to freeze the casserole after baking?
Yes, you can freeze it after it has cooled. Just make sure it’s properly wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
This cheesy ground beef rice casserole is not only comforting but also easy to make and a big crowd-pleaser. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a family favorite that’s sure to bring smiles around the dinner table!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty casserole made with savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and gooey cheddar cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For added nutrients, feel free to use brown rice or add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg