Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

One-pan comfort at its finest—ground beef, rice, and melty cheese baked to perfection for a cozy and filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of cheddar or cream of chicken soup
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1️⃣ Cook the Beef:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and garlic until browned and no longer pink.
• Drain any excess fat and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2️⃣ Combine Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooked beef mixture, uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of cheddar soup.
• Mix in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.

3️⃣ Transfer to Casserole Dish:

• Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Cover tightly with foil to help the rice cook evenly.

4️⃣ Bake:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake, covered, for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil, sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

5️⃣ Serve:

• Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips:

• Want some veggies? Stir in a cup of frozen peas or corn before baking.
• Make it spicy with a pinch of crushed red pepper or some diced jalapeños.
• Use brown rice for extra fiber—just increase the baking time by 10–15 minutes and check liquid levels.

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 15 mins | 🔥 Bake Time: 55 mins | ⏳ Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
⚡ Calories per serving: ~420 | 🍽️ Servings: 6–8