Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Introduction

If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make, and crowd-pleasing dinner recipe, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a must-try! Combining tender rice, hearty ground beef, vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or when you’re in need of a satisfying meal that pleases the whole family. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 45 minutes, this casserole is not only delicious but also time-efficient. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole ticks all the boxes.

Overview of the Recipe

The Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a savory and creamy dish that layers seasoned ground beef, rice, mixed vegetables, and cheese into a filling and satisfying meal. The beef is cooked with onion and garlic for added flavor, and the uncooked rice is baked directly in the casserole, absorbing all the rich flavors of the beef broth and cream of mushroom soup. The cheese creates a deliciously gooey topping, making each bite both hearty and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Easy: Minimal prep work is required, and it’s all cooked in one dish.
• Customizable: You can easily switch up the vegetables or cheese to suit your tastes.
• Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prepping or reheating leftovers.
• Crowd-pleaser: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings.

History and Origin

Casseroles have a long history in American cooking, dating back to the late 19th century. The term “casserole” originally referred to the dish the meal was cooked in, but over time it came to represent the meal itself, particularly those that were hearty, comforting, and simple to prepare. Ground beef and rice casseroles became especially popular in the mid-20th century as convenience foods like canned soups and frozen vegetables made their way into homes, making it easier for home cooks to prepare filling meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

This particular recipe echoes those traditional American casseroles with its use of ground beef, rice, and canned cream of mushroom soup. The addition of cheese and vegetables makes it a complete meal, loved for both its simplicity and versatility.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef
  Provides a hearty, flavorful base for the casserole.
• 1 small onion, chopped
  Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  For aromatic flavor and a little kick.
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  This will absorb the flavors of the broth and soup while cooking.
• 2 cups beef broth
  Helps cook the rice and adds a rich, savory flavor.
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
  A creamy element that ties the dish together.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  Melts into the casserole for a cheesy, indulgent bite.
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
  Adds texture, color, and nutrients to the dish.
• 1 tsp dried thyme
  A subtle herb to enhance the flavor of the beef and vegetables.
• 1/2 tsp paprika
  Adds mild spice and enhances the color of the casserole.
• Salt and pepper to taste
  To season the dish to your preference.
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
  For an extra cheesy finish.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

• In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb of ground beef with 1 chopped onion until the beef is fully cooked, and the onion has softened. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
• Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute, stirring occasionally, to release the flavors of the garlic.

3. Combine the Rice, Broth, and Soup

• Stir 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice into the skillet with the beef mixture.
• Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

4. Add Vegetables and Seasonings

• Mix in 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables) to the beef and rice mixture.
• Sprinkle in 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

5. Assemble the Casserole

• Transfer the beef and rice mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

6. Bake the Casserole

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap the heat and moisture.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

7. Optional Cheese Topping

• If you want a super cheesy casserole, remove the foil, and sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
• Return the dish to the oven, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and slightly golden.

8. Serve

• Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set, making it easier to portion out.
• Enjoy your delicious cheesy ground beef and rice casserole!

Serving Suggestions

This casserole serves 6-8 people, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Pair it with:

• A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
• Steamed broccoli or green beans to add more vegetables to the meal.
• Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread for a complete comfort meal.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

While this casserole is a complete meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with:

• Roasted vegetables: Try roasted brussels sprouts, zucchini, or carrots.
• Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette adds freshness to balance the richness of the casserole.
• Side dishes: Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy coleslaw complement the cheesy flavors.

Variations of the Recipe

This casserole is easily customizable. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Vegetable Swap:

• Use whatever frozen vegetables you have on hand, like corn, green beans, or bell peppers.

2. Spice It Up:

• Add a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

3. Different Cheese:

• Substitute shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for a spicier, more intense flavor.

4. Creamy Alternative:

• For a different twist, replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.

5. Make It Healthier:

• Opt for brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber, or use lean ground turkey instead of beef for a lower-fat option.

Health Benefits

Though this dish is indulgent and comforting, there are ways to make it more nutritious:

• Ground beef provides protein, iron, and essential vitamins like B12.
• Vegetables like peas and carrots offer fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• By opting for reduced-fat cheeses or lean beef, you can lower the fat content while still enjoying the rich flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I freeze the casserole?

Absolutely. This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and bake as directed.

3. Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining flavorful beef, tender rice, creamy mushroom soup, and plenty of cheese into one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for your family or looking for a dish to share at a gathering, this casserole is sure to satisfy. Versatile, customizable, and freezer-friendly, this recipe is bound to become a regular part of your meal rotation.

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