Name: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked; 2 cups beef broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon paprika

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a deliciously melty cheese topping. It’s the perfect choice for a cozy family dinner, with all the flavors I love in one dish.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked

2 cups beef broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1/2 cup sour cream

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon paprika

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. I break it apart with a spoon and cook it until it’s browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, I drain any excess fat.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking them for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.

Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. I bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the liquid to absorb into the rice.

Once the rice has absorbed most of the liquid, I remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. I sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, I remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils or a meat substitute.

Spicy Kick: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the casserole for some heat.

Different Cheese: If I want to mix it up, I sometimes use mozzarella or a blend of cheeses to top the casserole.

Add Veggies: I can add some vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to sneak in some extra nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

I like to store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I just pop it in the microwave for a few minutes or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until it’s warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and additional liquid. I recommend adjusting the beef broth and allowing more time for the rice to cook through.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! I can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, I add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When I’m ready to bake, I simply add the final touches and pop it in the oven.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken would work well as a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

How can I make the casserole more creamy?

To make it extra creamy, I can increase the amount of sour cream or add some cream cheese to the mixture before baking.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s hearty, comforting, and easy to make, with the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether I’m making it for a weeknight meal or serving it to guests, it’s always a hit!

Recipe:

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a deliciously melty cheese topping. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.