Hearty Beef & Rice Casserole With Cheese

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🥘 Hearty Beef & Rice Casserole With Cheese

Serves: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total: 50 minutes

🧾 Ingredients

Beef & Base

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup uncooked rice (long grain white or jasmine)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (not drained)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • Optional: ½ tsp chili powder for a warm flavor

Cheese

  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
    (You can also mix cheddar + mozzarella for extra melt.)

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 cup frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetables
  • ½ cup sour cream for extra creaminess
  • ½ cup bell pepper, diced
  • A few dashes hot sauce

🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Set to 350°F (175°C).

2. Brown the beef

In a large skillet:

  • Add ground beef and onion.
  • Cook 6–8 minutes until beef is browned.
  • Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
  • Drain excess grease.

3. Build the casserole mixture

Stir into the skillet:

  • Uncooked rice
  • Beef broth
  • Diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • Cream soup
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Paprika
  • Thyme
  • (Optional veggies or sour cream)

Mix until fully combined.

4. Move to a baking dish

Pour mixture into a 9×13 baking dish or deep casserole dish.
Spread evenly.

5. Bake

Cover tightly with foil.

Bake 30 minutes, then remove foil.

Stir gently, check that rice is softening.

6. Add cheese

Sprinkle 1 cup of the cheese over the top.

Return to the oven uncovered for 5–10 minutes until cheese is melty and golden.

7. Finish

Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
Top with remaining cheese if you want it extra cheesy.

🍽️ Serve with

  • A green salad
  • Garlic bread
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Pickles (classic casserole side!)

⭐ Tips for Success

  • If rice seems undercooked, cover again and bake 10 more minutes with ¼ cup extra broth.
  • For a creamier casserole, add ½ cup sour cream before baking.
  • For a firmer texture, reduce tomatoes to 1 cup.

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