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
Scale
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
