Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or family gatherings, offering a delightful medley of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large skillet, brown 1 lb of ground beef over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s no longer pink. Look for it to be browned evenly with a few crispy edges, which adds flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook in batches.
- Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. The garlic should be softened but not browned to prevent bitterness.
- Stir in 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice, mixing thoroughly with the beef and onion. Cook for about 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice, which enhances its flavor.
- Pour in 1 can of cream of mushroom soup and 1 can of undrained diced tomatoes. Add 2 cups of beef broth, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. This ensures the flavors meld together before baking.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This helps the rice cook fully and absorb all the flavors without drying out.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden-brown crust.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before enjoying!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: For a well-rounded flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a slight kick. Don’t skip letting the casserole rest after baking! This resting period allows the flavors to deepen and makes serving much easier.