This cheesy ground beef and rice cassеrolе is real cоmfort fоod . It hits the spot when you want something warm and filling . You just brown some beef , add rice , stir in melted cheese , and bake until bubbly . Simple stuff , but it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone smile .
Casseroles have been a go-to in many homes for decades , because they’re easy and you can throw in almost anything you have on hand . They save time and make meal prep less of a headache , especially if you’re busy after school or work . Whether it’s a potluck or just dinner at home , they work great .
This guide is here to walk you through how to make this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice cassеrolе . We’ll cover where it came from , what you need , and each step to get it to your table . Even if you’re pretty new to cooking , you’ll find it easy to follow and end up with a meal everybody loves .
What is Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice cassеrolе ?
This dish is a classic American comfort fоod . It mixes seasoned ground beef , soft rice , and melted cheese in one pan . You’ll see it at family gatherings , weeknight dinners , and sometimes at parties . It’s simple , but always hits the spot .
Casseroles started back in the 18th century as a quick way to cook many things in one dish . As fridges and ovens got better , they became a kitchen favorite in the US . Now , you can find endless versions of casseroles online or in cookbooks .
People change up this beef and rice cassеrolе any way they like . Some add veggies like peppers or corn , some use different cheeses , and others swap the beef for chicken or beans . It’s flexible , so you can make it fit what you have or what you like to eat .
Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cassеrolе . You can mix and match some items to suit your taste .
Main Ingredients
- Ground Beef: You can use lean beef , or try ground turkey or a mix .
- Rice: White rice cooks fast , brown rice is nuttier and chewier .
- Cheese: Cheddar is classic , but mozzarella or Monterey Jack work too .
Optional Ingredients
- Vegetables: Bell peppers , onions , corn , or whatever you like .
- Spices: Garlic powder , paprika , Italian herbs , etc .
- Extras: A dash of Worcestershire or soy sauce can make it taste more rich .
Step-by-Step Recipe
Follow these steps to make your cassеrolе .
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion , chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers , chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
Preparation Directions
1. Chop onion and peppers , measure rice and spices .
2. In a skillet over medium heat , brown the beef , then drain fat .
3. Cook the rice as per package instructions , then set aside .
4. In a big bowl , mix beef , rice , soup , broth , half the cheese , veggies , and spices . Stir well .
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease a baking dish , spread mix evenly .
6. Cover with foil , bake 30 minutes , remove foil , add rest of cheese , bake 10–15 more minutes until bubbly .
Tips for Success
Make sure beef is well browned for best taste . Rice should be done , so it doesn’t turn mushy in the oven . Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3–4 days . Reheat in oven or microwave . You can swap quinoa or cauliflower rice if you want .
Variations and Customizations
Healthier Alternatives
Use cauliflower rice or brown rice to lower carbs . Swap in lentils or beans instead of meat for a plant-based version .
Flavor Enhancements
Try pepper jack cheese for heat or feta for tang . Add cumin or smoked paprika to change the flavor .
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a green salad or garlic bread . Rolls or crusty bread also go well . A glass of light wine or soda is nice with it .
Nutritional Information
Standard Nutritional Breakdown
Each serving is about 400–500 calories with 25 g protein , 20 g fat , and 45 g carbs .
Health Considerations
Watch portion size , add veggies to balance it . You can cut down cheese or use whole grain rice for more fiber .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use leftover rice ? Yes , leftover rice works great .
Best way to reheat ? Oven at 350°F until hot , or microwave in short bursts .
Can I freeze it ? Sure , freeze before or after baking in an airtight container up to 3 months .
How long in fridge ? 3–4 days in a sealed box .
Can I change the protein ? Yes , use turkey , chicken , or plant-based protein .
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice cassеrolе is a go-to comfort dish that you can tweak any way you like . It’s easy , filling , and always a crowd pleaser . Try it once , and you’ll have a new family favorite .
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz (300 g)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corn
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the frozen mixed vegetables and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
