About This Recipe
A hearty and comforting casserole made with ground beef, rice, and a creamy cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- Ground beef - 1 lb
- Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Long grain white rice - 1 cup, uncooked
- Beef broth - 2½ cups
- Cream of mushroom soup - 1 (10.5 oz) can
- Cream of cheddar soup - 1 (10.5 oz) can
- Cheddar cheese - 1½ cups, shredded
- Sour cream - ½ cup
- Worcestershire sauce - 1 tsp
- Paprika - ½ tsp
- Salt & pepper - To taste
- Parsley - Optional, for garnish
Kitchen Tools
Instructions
Chef's Tips
- Use lean ground beef to reduce the amount of fat.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before baking.
- Don’t overcook the rice; it should be tender but not mushy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to drain excess fat from the ground beef.
- Overcooking the rice before baking.
- Not covering the casserole during initial baking.
Variations
Mexican-Inspired Casserole:
Add a packet of taco seasoning to the ground beef while browning. Mix in a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, and top with a blend of Mexican cheeses.
Chicken and Rice Casserole:
Substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken for a lighter version.
Vegetarian Casserole:
Replace the ground beef with lentils or crumbled plant-based meat substitute. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
Spicy Casserole:
Add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for longer storage (up to 2 months).
- Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. With simple ingredients and customizable options, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Add an extra ½ cup of beef broth and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes.
Yes, assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Yes, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, peas, or corn. Add them when you combine the ingredients in the mixing bowl.
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
Yes, cream of chicken soup is a great substitute for cream of mushroom soup. It will give the casserole a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious.
This casserole can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free cream of mushroom and cream of cheddar soups and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Yes, you can omit the sour cream or substitute it with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor.