This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is pure comfort food! It features cozy ground beef, fluffy rice, and a tasty cheddar topping that gets all gooey and golden in the oven.
You can’t resist that cheesy crust—it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! I love serving this for dinner since it’s easy to make and perfect for leftovers. Just reheat and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds a hearty flavor to the dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. They still provide good protein while being lower in fat.
Rice: You can use either white or brown rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook but adds more whole grain benefits. If you’re short on time, quick-cooking rice is another option, just adjust the cooking time.
Beef Broth: Instead of beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you want to adjust the flavor or make it vegetarian. Just keep an eye on the seasoning, as different broths vary in saltiness.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Feel free to swap in fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach. Just remember to chop them small enough to cook evenly. Canned corn or peas are also great alternatives.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you’re avoiding processed foods, you can make a homemade version using cooked mushrooms, cream, and a bit of broth for flavor. It’s simple and adds a fresh taste!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Rice is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking rice correctly is key for this casserole. Depending on the type of rice, the cooking time varies, so it’s important to follow the steps closely.
- When adding rice to the beef mixture, make sure it’s evenly distributed to cook through.
- Cover the pan with a lid to trap steam. This helps the rice absorb the liquid without burning.
- Keep the heat low after boiling; this allows the rice to simmer gently and become tender.
- If using brown rice, remember it needs more time—adjust your cooking time to about 30 minutes.
Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake, plus some resting time. So in total, you’re looking at roughly 45-50 minutes from start to finish. A perfect dish for a comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your casserole.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned. Make sure to drain any excess fat, so your casserole isn’t greasy.
3. Add Onion and Garlic:
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook these together for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened and fragrant.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Now, stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
5. Simmer the Rice:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer. If you’re using white rice, simmer for about 15 minutes; if it’s brown rice, let it simmer for about 30 minutes. You want the rice to be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
6. Add Cream Soup and Vegetables:
After the rice is cooked, uncover the skillet and stir in the cream of mushroom soup along with the frozen mixed vegetables. Mix everything together until combined.
7. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and pour the beef and rice mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
8. Prepare Cheese Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and half (1/2 cup) of the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s smooth. Pour this cheesy mixture over the casserole.
9. Add More Cheese:
Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Who doesn’t love extra cheese?
10. Bake It Up:
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want it to be bubbly, and the cheese should turn a lovely golden color on top.
11. Let It Rest:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This helps it to set a bit and makes slicing easier.
12. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color. Enjoy your delicious cheddar-crusted ground beef and rice casserole!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey or Chicken for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a lighter option. Just be mindful that the cooking time may vary slightly. Ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly, as leaner meats can dry out quicker than beef.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute with water or use chicken broth for a different flavor. If you want to enhance the taste, add a splash of soy sauce or bouillon cubes to the water.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance! Assemble it up to step 7, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or bake in the oven until warmed through. Be sure to cover it with foil if reheating in the oven to prevent the cheese from browning too much!
