Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty American main dish that combines savory ground beef, tender rice, creamy soups, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection. Ideal for family dinners, this easy-to-make casserole delivers rich flavors with a cheesy, bubbly top layer and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Rice and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of cheddar soup
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
Cheese and Seasonings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks for even cooking and texture.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with beef. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant, adding depth to the dish.
- Add and Toast Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly for enhanced flavor.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, cream of cheddar soup, and drained diced tomatoes. Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer in the skillet then remove from heat to prepare for baking.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the beef and rice mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and cover tightly with foil to lock in moisture while baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb flavors and cook through.
- Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Remove foil, stir the casserole, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice, but increase the baking time by 15–20 minutes, ensuring the rice is fully cooked before serving.
- For extra vegetables and added nutrition, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas or corn before baking the casserole.
