Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a family dinner. It features browned ground beef sautéed with onion and garlic, combined with rice, savory beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked to bubbly perfection, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Produce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks for even cooking throughout.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Then season with paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld but do not cook the rice fully at this stage. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice; however, increase the baking time by 15–20 minutes and ensure there is enough liquid to properly cook the rice.
- For added vegetables and nutrition, mix in frozen peas or chopped bell peppers before baking.
- Make sure to use gluten-free condensed soup if you require a gluten-free meal.
- This casserole reheats well and makes great leftovers for the next day.
