This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. With its savory flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this casserole is packed with delicious ingredients that will satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, rice, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings. The prep time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 20-25 minutes, bringing the total time to around 30-35 minutes.
Variations
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Incorporate your favorite vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Try using mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for a different cheesy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Brown Rice or Quinoa: Substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
10 FAQs
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. - Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version using cream and mushrooms. - Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just increase baking time if baking from cold. - What type of rice should I use?
Cooked white rice is standard, but brown rice or jasmine rice also works well. - Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Cover it tightly and it can last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans and use vegetable soup instead. - How do I know when it’s done baking?
The casserole should be bubbling at the edges and heated through. - Can I use leftover rice?
Absolutely! This is a great way to use up leftover rice. - What can I serve with this casserole?
A fresh salad or steamed vegetables pair nicely with this dish. - How spicy is this dish?
This dish is not spicy but can be made spicy by adding hot sauce or pepper.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table. With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a hearty family meal. Enjoy every bite!
PrintCheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
Enjoy a comforting and hearty meal with this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Packed with flavor and creamy goodness, it’s an easy one-dish dinner that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat and drain any excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes