Description
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty cheesy ground beef and rice casserole, blending savory flavors and creamy textures. Packed with rich ingredients and simple preparation, this dish offers a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups white rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Add diced onions to the beef and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream, creating a rich and creamy mixture.
- Cook the white rice separately according to package instructions until perfectly fluffy and tender.
- Gently fold the cooked rice into the beef mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the combined beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface of the casserole.
- Dust the top with breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden-brown finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly crisp.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version that caters to health-conscious diners.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty, wholesome texture to the casserole.
- Create a gluten-free option by replacing breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal for a crispy topping.
- Enhance the dish’s flavor profile by adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms during the beef sautéing stage for extra depth and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg