Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole: A Hearty, Flavorful Comfort Food

If you’re in search of a comforting, one-dish meal that’s quick to make and absolutely delicious, look no further than Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. This easy casserole combines savory ground beef, hearty rice, and gooey melted cheese, making it the perfect dish for a family dinner or a weeknight treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful meal that everyone will love.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for your family, this casserole is bound to become a go-to favorite. It’s a perfect blend of protein, carbs, and cheesy goodness that’s not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. Let’s take a closer look at how to make this delicious dish.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

To make this comforting casserole, you only need a handful of ingredients, many of which are pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef: The base of the casserole, offering rich, savory flavor.
  • 1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the casserole a fragrant, aromatic quality.
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked: The rice absorbs all the flavors, making it tender and delicious.
  • 2 cups beef broth: Provides moisture and enhances the beef flavor in the casserole.
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained: Adds a touch of acidity and a burst of color.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings out the flavor of the beef and rice.
  • Salt and pepper: For seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The main cheese that melts beautifully on top of the casserole.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and richness to the casserole.

Step-by-Step Directions for Making Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This casserole is quick to prepare, requiring just a few simple steps. Here’s how to make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will allow the casserole to bake evenly once assembled. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking to the sides.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef, 1 diced onion, and 2 cloves of minced garlic over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the beef is fully browned and the onion has softened, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to make the casserole less greasy.

3. Add Rice, Broth, and Seasonings

Stir in 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice, 2 cups of beef broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes (drained), and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. The rice will cook perfectly in the beef broth, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

4. Stir in Sour Cream and Cheese

Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream. This adds a creamy texture to the casserole, making it even richer. Then, mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, saving the remaining 1 cup of cheese for the topping.

5. Transfer to Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top the casserole with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, gooey topping as the casserole bakes.

6. Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. The casserole should be hot and fully cooked through.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut it into squares and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is more than just a filling meal—it’s a flavorful dish that the whole family will love. Here’s why you should make it a regular on your meal plan:

1. Quick and Easy to Make

With just 45 minutes of prep and cooking time, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s easy to prepare but still delicious. The ingredients are simple, and the cooking process doesn’t take long, making it an ideal choice for families on the go.

2. One-Dish Meal

Since everything is cooked in one pan and then baked in a single casserole dish, this recipe minimizes cleanup. It’s a one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy days or when you don’t want to fuss with too many pots and pans.

3. Kid-Friendly

The combination of ground beef, cheddar cheese, and rice is universally loved by kids and adults alike. The cheesy topping is especially irresistible to little ones, making it an easy way to get them to enjoy a hearty, wholesome meal.

4. Versatile and Customizable

This casserole is highly customizable to fit your preferences. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese—cheddar is traditional, but other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack would work great as well.

5. Comforting and Satisfying

With its cheesy goodness, savory beef, and tender rice, this casserole offers a hearty meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that will warm you up from the inside and keep you full for hours.

Tips for Success

  • Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content, especially if you’re watching your sodium intake.
  • Make it ahead: You can prepare this casserole in advance by assembling it up to the point of baking, then covering and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
  • Leftovers: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven.

Conclusion: A Hearty Family Favorite

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. With tender rice, savory beef, and a creamy, cheesy topping, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. It’s the perfect meal to serve after a long day or to impress guests at a casual gathering. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare and requires minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy families.

Give this dish a try, and you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic that never goes out of style.

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