Description
This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a golden, cheesy crust. It’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened.
- Prepare the Casserole Filling: Stir in the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and salt and pepper. Mix until well combined and heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for added crunch.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden crust, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional herbs or green onions if desired.
Notes
- You can swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg