Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
A comforting, high-protein casserole featuring ground beef, creamy cheese, and rice, perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb Ground beef Use lean ground beef for lower fat content.
Base
- 1 cup Uncooked rice Serves as the base of the casserole.
Liquids
- 2 cups Beef broth Enhances flavor and keeps mixture moist.
- 1 can Cream of mushroom soup Adds creaminess without extra calories.
Cheese
- 2 cups Shredded cheese Bring richness and gooey texture.
Vegetables
- 1 medium Onion, chopped Infuses aromatic sweetness.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced Offers a punch of flavor.
- 1 cup Peas or corn (optional) Add for bursts of flavor and color.
Seasonings
- to taste Salt and pepper Essential for balancing flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are translucent, roughly 3–4 minutes.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking.
Cook/Assemble
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned beef mixture, uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and half of the shredded cheese.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Serve
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Once ready, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with optional veggies like peas or corn for extra flavor and color.
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors with your family!
Notes
For the best results, let the casserole rest before serving. Experiment with different meats or veggies to adapt the recipe to your taste.