Savory Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Description
This Savory Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and gooey cheddar cheese for a hearty dish your family will adore. The creamy base of mushroom soup, paired with the richness of beef broth, creates a luscious sauce that ties everything together. The simplicity of this recipe makes it a perfect weeknight meal, while the bold flavors give it a satisfying gourmet feel. This one-pot wonder will become a staple in your kitchen for its ease and comforting flavors!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef – Choose lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked) – Use long-grain rice for the best texture.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup – Adds a creamy, savory base.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar provides a rich and tangy flavor.
- 1 ¾ cups beef broth – Enhances the beefy flavor and cooks the rice to perfection.
- 1 small onion, chopped – Brings a touch of sweetness and flavor complexity.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped – Adds crunch and a fresh, slightly bitter note.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For a subtle, aromatic punch.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Prepare the Rice Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 ¾ cups beef broth, and 1 cup uncooked white rice. Stir until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
In a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, pour the rice mixture evenly across the bottom. Layer the beef and veggie mixture on top of the rice.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and cook to perfection.
Step 7: Add the Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the delicious blend of cheesy, beefy goodness with tender rice!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This casserole can also be frozen! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Label: Don’t forget to label your freezer dish with the date!
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Reheat the casserole in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until hot.
- Add moisture: If reheating from frozen, you might want to add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.
20 Best Tips for Making the Perfect Savory Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water before using to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Use lean ground beef: Opt for 90% lean ground beef to minimize grease in your casserole.
- Drain the beef well: After browning the beef, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Customize your cheese: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheese flavor.
- Add Worcestershire sauce: For added depth, stir in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce with the ground beef.
- Cook vegetables first: Cooking the onions and bell peppers before adding the beef ensures they’re perfectly tender.
- Substitute the cream of mushroom soup: For a variation, try cream of chicken or cheddar cheese soup.
- Increase the veggies: Add mushrooms, corn, or peas to boost the nutritional value and texture.
- Layer flavors: For extra seasoning, add paprika or cumin to the beef mixture.
- Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using store-bought shredded cheese.
- Go spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Try brown rice: Substitute white rice for brown rice, but increase the baking time by about 10 minutes.
- Check the rice: Before removing the foil, check the rice for doneness. If still too firm, add a little more broth and bake covered for another 5-10 minutes.
- Crushed crackers topping: For a crunchy twist, add crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before baking.
- Pre-make it: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes after baking to firm up before serving.
- Low sodium broth: Use low sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Sauté garlic: For an extra burst of flavor, sauté fresh garlic with the onions and peppers.
- Add herbs: Sprinkle fresh or dried herbs like thyme or parsley into the rice mixture for added freshness.
- Serve with a salad: Pair the casserole with a light green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
20 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes! Brown rice works, but you’ll need to increase the baking time by about 10 minutes.
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. - What other cheese can I use besides cheddar?
You can try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick. - How can I make this casserole spicy?
Add some diced jalapeños or a few splashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. - What other vegetables can I add?
Mushrooms, peas, carrots, or corn make great additions to this casserole. - Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Swap the beef for a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. - How can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cream soup, cheese, and broth to adapt the recipe. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake it in a larger casserole dish. - Can I use instant rice?
You can, but reduce the baking time by about 10-15 minutes since instant rice cooks faster. - Do I need to cook the rice beforehand?
No, the rice cooks in the oven as it absorbs the liquid during baking. - Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. - How do I avoid mushy rice?
Make sure to use long-grain rice, and don’t add too much liquid. - Can I omit the cheese?
You can omit the cheese if needed, but it adds great flavor and texture. - Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
Yes, quinoa can be substituted, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid ratios. - How can I make this lower in fat?
Use lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup. - What can I serve with this casserole?
A fresh green salad or garlic bread complements the dish nicely. - Can I add beans?
Yes, black beans or kidney beans would add a nice texture and protein boost. - How long should I let the casserole rest before serving?
Let it sit for about 10 minutes after baking to firm up. - Can I use a different type of soup?
Yes, cream of chicken or cheddar soup works well if you want to switch things up
