Description
An easy, cheesy, and satisfying family favorite — this cheddar crusted ground beef and rice casserole is the ultimate comfort dish for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onion and bell pepper. Sauté 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Fold in 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese until partially melted.
- Transfer mixture to casserole dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top. Broil final 2 minutes for extra crispiness if desired.
- Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if using.
Notes
Do not skip the rest time after baking — it helps the casserole set for easier serving and better flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 375
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 24g