Cheesy Ground Beef Rice

This cheesy ground beef rice casserole brings together simple ingredients for a comforting family meal that never disappoints. The savory combination of seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese creates a dinner that both kids and adults will eagerly devour any night of the week.

I created this recipe when I needed to stretch our grocery budget during a particularly tight month. What started as a necessity quickly became a family favorite that my children now request at least twice a month during our busy sports seasons.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides the hearty protein base look for 80/20 lean to fat ratio for best flavor
• White rice: Creates the filling foundation use leftover rice to make this even quicker
• Cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and binds everything together
• Whole milk: Creates the perfect consistency substitute 2% if needed
• Cheddar cheese: Brings the melty goodness freshly grated melts better than pre shredded
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor a little goes a long way
• Garlic powder: Infuses savory notes without the work of fresh garlic
• Onion powder: Provides aromatic flavor without the texture of onions
• Salt and pepper: Balance all the flavors adjust to your preference

How To Make Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Prepare the oven:

Set your oven to 175°C and give it time to fully preheat while you prepare the casserole. This ensures even cooking throughout the dish.

Brown the beef:

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no pink remains. This typically takes 7 to 8 minutes for properly browned meat.

Remove excess fat:

Drain the fat from the cooked beef using a colander or carefully tilting the pan while holding back the meat with a spatula. This prevents the casserole from becoming greasy.

Mix the ingredients:

In a large bowl combine the drained beef cooked rice cream of mushroom soup milk 100 grams of cheese and all seasonings. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated ensuring the rice is fully coated.

Assemble the casserole:

Transfer the mixture to a 23 x 33 centimetre baking dish spreading it into an even layer. Make sure to reach the corners for even baking throughout.

Add the cheese topping:

Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly across the top of the casserole creating a delicious golden crust when baked.

Bake to perfection:

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is completely melted has begun to bubble around the edges and has slightly browned on top.

Rest before serving:

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving which helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.

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The cream of mushroom soup is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. My grandmother always insisted on using the condensed version rather than the ready to eat variety. She claimed it created the perfect creamy texture while binding everything together. After years of making this casserole I have to agree with her wisdom.

Make Ahead And Storage

This casserole is perfect for meal planning. You can prepare the entire mixture up to the baking step refrigerate it covered for up to 2 days then bake when ready to serve. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Once baked leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 minutes or until heated through. For best results when reheating a larger portion place it back in the oven at 175°C for about 15 minutes.

For longer storage freeze portions in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Easy Variations

This casserole is incredibly adaptable to different tastes and what you have on hand. Try these delicious variations:

• Replace the cream of mushroom with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor profile. Each brings its own unique taste to the dish.
• Add vegetables like frozen peas carrots or corn directly to the mixture before baking. This adds nutrition and color without extra preparation.

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• Experiment with different cheese combinations. Try adding pepper jack for spice Mexican blend for a taco inspired flavor or mozzarella for extra stretchiness.
• Switch the white rice for brown rice for added fiber and nutrition. Just note that brown rice may require slightly more liquid to maintain the same consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

For a complete comfort food experience serve alongside buttered dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.

When serving to guests add a touch of elegance with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives over individual portions right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for different flavors. Choose a cheese that melts well.

→ Can I make this casserole in advance?

Absolutely! Once assembled, cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the bake time if cold.

→ What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute with cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or a homemade cream sauce for a similar texture and taste.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, diced vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, or peas can be added for extra flavor and nutrition. Sauté them before mixing with the other ingredients.

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.