Description
Hearty “cheesy ground beef and rice casserole” delivers comfort on a plate, blending savory beef and creamy cheese with perfectly cooked rice. Families will savor each forkful of this classic, satisfying dish that brings warmth and flavor to any dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Grains and Base:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy serving and prevent sticking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbly pieces until no pink remains and a rich golden color develops.
- Drain excess fat from the beef and return to the skillet, stirring in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse deep, savory flavors.
- Blend cream of mushroom soup and milk in a separate bowl, creating a creamy sauce that will bind the casserole ingredients together.
- Layer the cooked white rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a hearty foundation for the casserole.
- Spread the seasoned ground beef uniformly over the rice layer, ensuring an even distribution of meat.
- Pour the creamy soup mixture over the beef and rice, gently spreading to cover all ingredients completely.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses across the top, followed by an even coating of breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden-brown finish.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and the top turns a rich, appetizing golden color.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole without compromising rich flavor.
- Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutritional value and a nuttier texture that complements the meaty base.
- Create a gluten-free alternative by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and checking that cream of mushroom soup is certified gluten-free.
- Enhance vegetable content by mixing in frozen peas, diced carrots, or spinach during the beef seasoning stage for extra nutrition and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg