Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole bubbling away in the oven. The combination of flavors and textures in a dish like Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole feels like a warm hug, making it the perfect meal for any family gathering or cozy night in. As a professional food blogger, I often find that cherished recipes are those that come together with simple ingredients but provide huge satisfaction. This casserole is a classic that has been loved by many, and I can wholeheartedly say it’s pure comfort food at its finest.

At the heart of this tasty dish are some key ingredients that come together to create a delightful flavor profile. The 1 pound of ground beef offers a rich, savory base that pairs beautifully with 1 cup of rice, which absorbs all the wonderful flavors. Adding a can of cream of mushroom soup not only provides creaminess but also a subtle earthiness that ties everything together. To finish it all off, a generous cup of shredded cheese gives the casserole its irresistible, gooey top. With a chopped onion for added sweetness and 2 cups of beef broth to keep the flavors moist, this dish is seasoned with just the right amount of salt and pepper. Optional additions like diced tomatoes or bell peppers give a pop of color and freshness, making each bite a delight.

The method of preparing this casserole is surprisingly simple and straightforward. You’ll start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, you’ll brown the ground beef along with the onion until everything is nicely cooked. Next, mix in the rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and any optional ingredients you choose to use. After seasoning with salt and pepper, transfer this mixture into a greased casserole dish and sprinkle the delightful shredded cheese on top. Bake it until the cheese is bubbly and golden, which usually takes around 25-30 minutes. Finally, let it cool before serving, and you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress.

This casserole is not just a dish; it’s a solution for countless scenarios. Whether you’re looking for something hearty on a chilly night, preparing for a family potluck, or simply wanting to enjoy a meal that adds warmth to your day, this casserole is your answer.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Quick to Prepare: This casserole comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
• Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or refrigerator.
• Comfort Food: With its cheesy topping and hearty filling, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
• Versatile: You can easily customize it with different vegetables or meats.
• Family-Friendly: It’s a dish that both kids and adults will enjoy, making it perfect for family dinners.

Ground Beef Tips

When choosing ground beef for this recipe, look for lean ground beef (around 80/20 fat content) for a balance of flavor without excessive greasiness. This ensures a juicy texture while still allowing for appealing browning when you cook it. If you’re concerned about fat content, you can choose ground turkey or chicken as alternatives, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change slightly.

Options for Substitutions

• Use brown rice instead of white rice for extra fiber.
• Swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce.
• Try shredded rotisserie chicken in place of ground beef for a quicker option.
• Substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Use mozzarella or cheddar cheese as alternatives to enhance the cheesiness.
• Add cooked vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.

Watch Out for These Mistakes

One common pitfall is overcooking the casserole. While it’s tempting to leave it in longer to ensure everything is heated through, overbaking can lead to a dry dish. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden, which should take about 25-30 minutes. Pay attention to it during this time.

Another mistake is not seasoning enough. The ground beef and broth will develop flavors, but don’t forget to taste and adapt. A little salt and pepper can elevate the entire dish. Consider adding some garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra depth.

Adding veggies too early can result in them becoming too soft. If you’re including tomatoes or peppers, stir them in towards the end of the cooking process for freshness and texture.

What to Serve With Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?

This casserole pairs nicely with a fresh side salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Alternatively, you can serve it alongside steamed green beans seasoned with lemon or a simple garden salad. A slice of crusty bread is also a delightful accompaniment, perfect for scooping up any leftovers.

Storage Instructions

Store: You can keep leftovers in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Freeze: If you’d like to keep it longer, this casserole freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Reheat: To reheat, you can place the dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Recipe Info

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: About 4-6

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 1,200 – 1,500
Protein: 80 – 100 grams
Fat: 60 – 80 grams
Carbohydrates: 100 – 120 grams

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup rice
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: diced tomatoes, bell peppers

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, prepare a casserole dish by greasing it lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onion has softened. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Other Ingredients

Once the beef and onion are cooked through, add the rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and any optional ingredients like diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

Season your beef and rice mixture with salt and pepper. Stir well to incorporate the seasoning evenly throughout the dish.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the beef and rice mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top it with the shredded cheese, making sure to cover it generously for that delicious cheesy top.

Step 6: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld a bit more and make for easier serving.

In conclusion, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a heartwarming dish perfect for gatherings, cozy nights, or meal prep. With its simple preparation and delightful taste, it offers everything you need in a satisfying meal. Give this recipe a try and share your feedback. I would love to hear how it turned out for you, and don’t hesitate to explore other similar posts for more comforting recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it when you are ready to serve it.

How can I make this dish healthier?

You can use lean ground turkey or chicken, brown rice, and low-fat cheese to make it healthier. You can also load it with more vegetables.

What texture should I expect from this casserole?

This casserole will have a creamy texture from the soup and a nice chew from the rice, with a gooey, cheesy topping that creates a delightful contrast.

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