Go Back

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

A hearty one-dish casserole combining ground beef, rice, creamy soup and cheddar cheese for an easy weeknight comfort meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Ingredients
  

Ground beef and base
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
Rice and liquid
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 2.5 cups beef broth
Creamy mixture
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 0.5 cup milk
Cheese topping & seasoning
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter optional
  • fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes; drain excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.
  4. Season the beef mixture with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper; stir to coat.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the uncooked rice; cover and reduce heat to low for about 10 minutes, until liquid is mostly absorbed.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream and milk until smooth.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the creamy mixture and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until combined.
  8. Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar over the top, and dot with butter if desired.
  9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the rice is tender.
  10. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Feel free to customize cheese type, add vegetables like peppers or peas, and assemble ahead for baking later.