Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Comfort – The Kind of Meal That Hugs You from the Inside Out!
There’s just something magical about a cheesy, bubbling casserole coming out of the oven on a busy weeknight. This ground beef rice casserole is hearty, rich, and packed with all the flavors that make comfort food unforgettable. Layers of beef, tender rice, and melty cheese come together so effortlessly, it feels like a warm hug with every bite.
My mom used to make this exact dish whenever we needed something filling and soul-satisfying. I remember sneaking extra cheese on top when she wasn’t looking—it made the crust extra golden and gooey. Now it’s my go-to when I want a no-fuss dinner that makes everyone at the table happy.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil, stir gently, and top with shredded cheese.
- Return to oven uncovered and bake 10 more minutes, or until cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
| Calories | 490 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Printable Recipe Summary
| Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole | |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Ground beef, onion, garlic, rice, beef broth, mushroom soup, tomatoes, cheddar, spices |
| Instructions | Brown beef with onions. Mix in other ingredients. Bake covered 40 mins, top with cheese, then bake uncovered 10 mins. |
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and add more broth.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Q: Is it okay to use cream of chicken soup instead?
Yes! It will slightly change the flavor, but it’s still delicious.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Try corn, peas, or chopped bell peppers for a hearty twist.
