It is 6pm. You are tired. Dinner needs to happen fast. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect answer for your busy evening.
There is nothing quite like a warm dish on a cold winter night. This recipe is golden, creamy, and totally satisfying. It brings the whole family together with very little effort from you.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dish is the ultimate comfort food for a cozy night in. You only need one bowl and one skillet to get started. It uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
The rice cooks right in the oven with the savory beef. This means less cleanup for you after dinner is done. It is a budget-friendly meal that feels like a big hug. Your holiday guests or picky eaters will absolutely love every bite.
Simple Method
You start by browning the beef with fresh onions and garlic. Then, you simply mix everything together in a large bowl. The uncooked rice absorbs all the rich flavor from the beef broth.
Even if you are a beginner, you can master this dish. The oven does all the hard work for you. It is completely doable and stress-free for any home cook.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a rich and savory meal.
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent.
- Drain the rendered fat from the skillet then stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika, cooking for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, uncooked rice, beef broth, condensed soup, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread into an even layer.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes to set before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this warm with a crisp side salad for balance. A side of steamed broccoli also works beautifully here. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty bread.
Set the table and enjoy a quiet moment with your family. This dish is meant for sharing and making memories. It is a true crowd-pleaser for any casual gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to three days. This casserole is perfect for easy weekday lunches the next day.
To reheat, use the microwave or a 350°F oven. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of broth. It tastes just as good the second time around!
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip the 10-minute resting time after baking.
- Drain the beef well to keep the dish light.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor impact.
- Seal the foil tightly to steam the rice perfectly.
- For a winter treat, serve with warm dinner rolls.
- Rinse your rice first to remove excess starch.
- Add a handful of frozen peas for extra color.
- Double the batch if you are feeding a group.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter meal.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a little spicy kick.
- In summer, use fresh green onions instead of yellow.
- Add chopped bell peppers for extra garden-fresh crunch.
- Substitute maple syrup for honey in your side glazes.
Common Questions
Can I use brown rice?
Brown rice takes much longer to cook than white rice. You would need more liquid and more time. I recommend sticking to long-grain white rice for this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can brown the beef the night before. Store it in the fridge until you are ready. This makes your weeknight prep even faster and easier.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely, most kids love the mild and cheesy flavors. It is a great way to serve a filling meal. Even the pickiest eaters usually ask for seconds.
I hope this cozy meal brings warmth to your winter nights. It is so simple to make and so satisfying to eat. Give it a try and enjoy every cheesy bite!
— Lidia
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup long -grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon sal t
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent.
- Drain the rendered fat from the skillet then stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika, cooking for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, uncooked rice, beef broth, condensed soup, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread into an even layer.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes to set before serving.
