If you’re searching for a comfort food classic that brings together hearty flavors and a golden cheesy crust, this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe will quickly become your new weeknight favorite. It combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, creamy mushroom soup, and a generous topping of melted cheddar cheese that crisps to perfection in the oven, making every bite a celebration of cozy, satisfying goodness. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this casserole is the perfect way to feed a crowd or prepare a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a specific role, whether it’s enhancing the richness, adding texture, or boosting the overall flavor profile, making the dish more than just a sum of its parts.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that brings savory depth and satisfying texture.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a gentle crunch to balance the richness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant kick and aromatic complexity.
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white or brown): The tender grain that fills the casserole with comforting bulk.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Acts as a creamy binder that enhances moisture and flavor.
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water): Adds extra juiciness and depth without overpowering.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Injects a subtle umami punch for a little extra flavor complexity.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Brings a touch of herby warmth to the mix.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all the other flavors.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): The star of the crust with its sharp, melty goodness.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional): For those who love a crunchy contrast on top.
How to Make Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and the cheese melts into that irresistible crust. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish so the casserole won’t stick and will come out easily after baking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and nicely crumbled, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Then, add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant, infusing the beef with wonderful flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Filling
Stir in the cooked rice along with the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly and let it heat through for about 3 to 4 minutes. This step blends all the flavors beautifully and creates a creamy, moist filling that’s the heart of the casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the beef and rice mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. If you’re a fan of a crunchier texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the cheese to add a golden, crispy finish to your casserole.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned at the edges. For an extra special golden crust, you can switch to broil mode for 1 to 2 minutes—but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. Once baked, allow your casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let those flavors settle in perfectly.
How to Serve Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can bring a bright pop of color and add an extra layer of flavor. A dollop of sour cream on top can also balance out the richness with a creamy tang.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli to add freshness and a bit of crunch to the meal. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a rustic, family-style experience, or scoop it into individual ramekins for a pretty, portion-controlled presentation. You can also turn it into a layered dip with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing party appetizer twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese topping is bubbly again. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven helps maintain that lovely cheesy crust.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing into the casserole to ensure even baking.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground “meat” alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious meat-free version.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s chilled straight from the fridge.
What can I use if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
A homemade white sauce or cream of chicken soup can work perfectly as substitutes. You can also make a quick roux with milk and flour for a creamy texture.
How do I get the cheddar crust extra crispy?
Adding breadcrumbs on top of the cheddar and finishing the casserole under the broiler for a minute or two creates that perfect crispy, golden crust everyone loves.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s a dish that brings people together, provides comfort on busy days, and delights with every cheesy, savory bite. Give it a try—you’ll see just how quickly it becomes a cherished staple in your recipe collection.
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Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for family dinners. Featuring seasoned ground beef combined with cooked rice, creamy mushroom soup, and savory spices, it’s topped with a crispy, melted cheddar cheese crust for a satisfying finish. Easy to prepare and bake, this casserole provides a delicious balance of protein, carbs, and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Main Mixture
- 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
Topping
- 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 prepare it for baking.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Prepare the Casserole Filling: Stir in the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is heated through.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If desired, add the optional breadcrumbs on top for an extra crunchy texture.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end to achieve a golden crust—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or green onions if you like for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if preferred.
- Use either white or brown rice based on your taste and dietary preference.
- Adding breadcrumbs on top is optional but gives a delightful crunchy texture.
- Broiling at the end is optional; keep a close eye to avoid burning the cheese crust.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
