Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole: Comfort Food Made Easy
A no-fuss, family-friendly Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole that’s creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor. Perfect for quick dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- ½ cup milk or beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble casserole: Combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half the cheese, and sauce in the baking dish. Mix well.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.
- Finish baking: Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Optional: broil 2 minutes for crispy topping.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Optional: Broil for extra crispy cheese on top.
- Can be prepared ahead and reheated.