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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole baked in a dish with melted cheese on top

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

A comforting casserole featuring savory beef, creamy cheese, and tender rice, all baked to golden perfection.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
  • 1/2 cup milk or beef broth
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-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 the 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

For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of hot sauce or chili powder to the meat mixture. Experiment by substituting rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a twist. Serve with a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess.