Description
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make one-dish meal featuring seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese baked in a creamy mushroom sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole combines simple ingredients for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is well browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat from the pan to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Season the Meat: Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper into the cooked beef and onion mixture to infuse it with flavorful seasoning.
- Prepare Soup Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine beef broth and cream of mushroom soup, mixing well until smooth to create a creamy sauce that will cook the rice and bind the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large baking dish, combine the uncooked white rice, the cooked and seasoned beef mixture, and the soup-broth mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, then bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and become tender.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, and return to the oven.
- Bake Uncovered: Continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a delicious cheesy crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.
Notes
- Keep the casserole covered during the initial baking time to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly and absorbs the flavors.
- For added nutrition, you can mix in peas or diced carrots with the rice and beef before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
