Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole (Print Version)
Seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection for a comforting family meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
→ Rice & Grains
05 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
→ Dairy
06 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
07 - 1/2 cup sour cream
08 - 1 1/2 cups whole milk
→ Pantry
09 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
10 - 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 1 tsp kosher salt
12 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
15 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
03 - Add onion and garlic to the skillet; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
04 - Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
05 - Remove from heat. Add uncooked rice, 1 cup cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne if using. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
06 - Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer.
07 - Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
08 - Remove foil, sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown.
09 - Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Its the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table without you having to stand at the stove for hours
- The combination of creamy mushroom soup, tangy cheddar, and seasoned beef hits every single comfort food craving
02 -
- The rice absorbs liquid while baking, so if you are substituting brown rice, increase both the broth and milk by 1/4 cup and bake for an extra 10 minutes
- Letting the casserole rest for those few minutes before serving is crucial, otherwise it will be too loose and the portions will not hold their shape
03 -
- Grate your own cheese from a block instead of buying pre-shredded, which has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly
- If the casserole seems too thick before baking, add a splash more milk or broth, but remember the rice will absorb liquid as it cooks