Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, offering a heartwarming combination of flavors that beckons nostalgia and warmth. This dish creates a symphony of cheesy goodness balanced perfectly with hearty ground beef and tender rice, making it a fantastic meal choice for family gatherings or an effortless weeknight dinner. With its creamy, dreamy texture and golden crust, this casserole will not only fill bellies but also evoke fond memories of home-cooked meals. The best part? It requires minimal effort and time, ensuring you can enjoy quality moments with loved ones while savoring delicious flavors. Let’s dive into this easy, step-by-step recipe that is designed to impress and satisfy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a meal you’ll want to make again and again, and here’s why:
- Ease of Preparation: The recipe calls for simple ingredients many of us have on hand and comes together in just a few steps, saving you valuable time in the kitchen.
- Quick Cooking: With a prep and bake time combined of under an hour, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is loved by kids and adults alike, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or potlucks.
- Minimal Ingredients: Streamlined and straightforward, this casserole uses just a handful of pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and convenient.
- Comforting and Satisfying: The rich flavors of beef, cheese, and rice provide a sense of warmth and satisfaction that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Creamy, melty goodness that forms a luscious topping.
- 1 pound ground beef: Juicy and flavorful, serving as the protein base.
- 1 cup instant white rice: Quick-cooking and perfectly fluffy, soaking up all the flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth: Rich and savory liquid that enhances the casserole’s flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A hint of spice to elevate the taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for balancing flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Aromatic and flavorful, it adds depth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: A mild spice that brings color and adds a subtle kick.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brightens every bite.
- 1 small sweet onion, diced: Sweet and aromatic, it enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of celery soup: Creamy and rich, serving as a comforting base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh and fragrant, adding an extra layer of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: For an additional punch of onion flavor.
- 12 oz frozen mixed veggies (carrots, peas, corn, etc.): Colorful and nutritious, these veggies bring balance and texture.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Taking a moment at the beginning ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make for easy serving.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a deep skillet or pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef alongside the diced onion for about 10 minutes, or until the beef is browned and the onion is soft and translucent. This aromatic combination lays the foundation for your casserole’s flavor.
Step 4: Drain Excess Fat
Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat to keep your casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 5: Add Garlic and Mix
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, remove the skillet from heat.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Add the cream of celery soup, beef broth, rice, frozen mixed vegetables, and all the seasonings (black pepper, salt, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder) to the skillet. Mix everything until well combined, ensuring the rice and veggies are evenly distributed.
Step 7: Pour and Bake
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist during baking.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Step 9: Broil for Golden Cheese
Remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Broil the casserole briefly, watching closely until the cheese is golden and bubbly, so it doesn’t burn.
Step 10: Let Rest and Serve
Once you achieve that delectable golden cheese layer, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows everything to settle and makes for easier serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to substitute or add vegetables based on seasonal options or personal preferences. Spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers work wonderfully!
- Add a Crunch: For extra texture, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed chips on top before baking.
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Leftover Beef: If you have leftover cooked beef from another meal, this recipe is a great way to utilize it.
- Cheese Varieties: While sharp cheddar is preferred, other cheese varieties like mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be used for different flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
For a perfectly balanced meal, serve your Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole alongside a fresh green salad drizzled with light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad contrasts the creamy, hearty casserole beautifully. Add some garlic bread or rolls on the side for a comforting touch. This dish is wonderful for gatherings, so consider it for potlucks, family reunions, or casual weekend dinners.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole contains approximately 450 calories, offering a good balance of protein from the beef and cheese, carbohydrates from the rice, and essential vitamins from the mixed veggies. This casserole makes for a satisfying meal but should be complemented with colorful sides to ensure a well-rounded diet.
Storing Tips & Variations
Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe dish without baking it first. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating: Reheat your leftovers in the oven or microwave until hot throughout. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Variations: Consider experimenting with different types of meat like ground turkey or shredded chicken. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative, and use vegetable broth.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole offers a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that any home cook can easily whip up in no time. This dish promises satisfaction and comfort, perfect for any occasion. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experiences in the comments! Your family will thank you for introducing them to this cozy dish that’s bound to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly, as brown rice typically requires longer to cook.
2. What can I use if I can’t find cream of celery soup?
If cream of celery soup isn’t available, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom or a homemade white sauce.
3. Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to increase the amount of cheese on top or mix in different varieties for additional flavor.
4. Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Definitely! Its cheesy, beefy goodness is usually a hit with kids, making it perfect for family dinners.
5. How can I make this dish healthier?
To make it healthier, consider using lean ground beef, brown rice, and adding more vegetables. You can also reduce the cheese if desired.
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Juicy and flavorful, serving as the protein base.
- 1 small sweet onion, diced Sweet and aromatic, it enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh and fragrant, adding an extra layer of flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth Rich and savory liquid that enhances the casserole's flavor.
- 1 cup instant white rice Quick-cooking and perfectly fluffy, soaking up all the flavors.
- 2 cans cream of celery soup Creamy and rich, serving as a comforting base.
- 12 oz frozen mixed veggies (carrots, peas, corn, etc.) Colorful and nutritious, these veggies bring balance and texture.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Creamy, melty goodness that forms a luscious topping.
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper A hint of spice to elevate the taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Essential for balancing flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Aromatic and flavorful, it adds depth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika A mild spice that brings color and adds a subtle kick.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning A blend of herbs that brightens every bite.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder For an additional punch of onion flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Cooking
- In a deep skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion for about 10 minutes, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, then remove from heat.
- Add cream of celery soup, beef broth, rice, frozen mixed veggies, and all seasonings, mixing until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and switch the oven to broil, watching closely until the cheese is golden.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.