Description
This hearty, cheesy casserole is a comforting blend of ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, and gooey melted cheese, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice for a nuttier flavor)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend of choice)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the dish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare your cooked rice if not already done. For quick prep, you can use leftover rice or microwaveable rice pouches.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, rice, diced onions, bell peppers, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, paprika, and half the shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining cheese for a delicious, golden crust.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with lightly golden edges.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- Pre-Cook the Rice: Ensure the rice is fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole. Using pre-cooked or leftover rice is ideal, as uncooked rice will not cook properly in the oven and could lead to a crunchy texture.
- Drain the Ground Beef: After browning the ground beef, drain excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy. This step helps maintain the dish’s flavor balance and texture.
- Customize to Taste: This recipe is highly versatile—add more vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or carrots for extra nutrition, or adjust the spices to suit your preferences. Experiment with different cheese combinations for unique flavor profiles!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins