Go Back

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

A warm, easy meal featuring ground beef, cooked rice, creamy soup, and melted cheese, perfect for families and busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cooked white rice Cold rice from the fridge works fine.
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup Or cream of chicken.
  • 1/2 cup milk or beef broth Use to thin the sauce.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided Keep half for topping.
  • 1 tsp paprika Adds color and mild taste.
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • optional chopped parsley for garnish For serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix well to combine.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

This casserole is perfect for families, potlucks, and busy weeknights. You can make it ahead and heat it up later. It can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.