Description
This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Ground beef is cooked with onions and garlic, then combined with creamy mushroom soup, rice, and seasonings. Topped generously with shredded cheddar cheese and optional breadcrumbs for that irresistible golden crust, this casserole is baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that balances savory flavors and creamy textures in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 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
Toppings
- 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) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat, then add diced onion and minced garlic; cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Prepare the Casserole Filling: Stir the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Mix well and heat through for about 3 to 4 minutes to blend flavors.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef and rice mixture into the greased casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese layer for added texture.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a beautifully golden crust, broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs or chopped green onions for extra color and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup if preferred.
- Use either white or brown rice depending on your texture preference.
- Breadcrumbs are optional; skipping them makes the casserole gluten-free if you use gluten-free soup and breadcrumbs.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme as garnish enhances the flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
