If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make dinner, look no further than Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. This flavorful casserole combines savory ground beef, tender rice, and a crispy, golden cheddar cheese crust for a dish that the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or preparing a dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please everyone’s palate.
Ingredients for Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your casserole cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden crust on top.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, cook the rice according to the package instructions. This typically involves bringing water to a boil, adding rice, and letting it simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Prepare the Beef: While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the Ingredients: Once the beef is cooked through, add the cooked rice, beef broth, sour cream, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Top with Cheddar: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, then top with breadcrumbs if desired for extra texture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out generous portions of this cheesy, comforting casserole, and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy Goodness: The cheddar cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor, making every bite irresistible. The crispy cheese crust is the perfect finishing touch, elevating this casserole to another level of deliciousness.
- Hearty and Filling: With ground beef and rice, this casserole is a complete meal in itself. It’s filling enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetites, making it perfect for family dinners.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is simple to prepare with easy-to-find ingredients. Most of the cooking time is hands-off, giving you more time to relax or prepare other sides.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas to this casserole. If you prefer a spicier kick, toss in some diced jalapeños or chili powder.
Tips for Success
- Use Lean Beef: For a healthier option, choose lean ground beef to reduce the amount of fat in the dish.
- Rice Variety: Although white rice is used in this recipe, you can also substitute it with brown rice or a rice blend for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is the star of this recipe, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for an added twist.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook!
Final Thoughts
Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a must-try recipe for those craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This dish offers the perfect balance of rich flavors, creamy textures, and a crunchy cheese topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Give this easy casserole a try and enjoy the comfort of homemade goodness, all with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Serving and Storage Tips for Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Once your Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is out of the oven, there are a few serving and storage tips that can help you enjoy the dish to the fullest and ensure leftovers stay fresh.
Serving Tips:
- Portioning: Cut the casserole into even portions to serve. A 9×13-inch baking dish typically yields 6-8 servings, depending on portion size. Serve alongside a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Toppings: Consider adding a finishing touch like a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Chopped green onions or a handful of crispy bacon bits can also add a savory crunch.
- Pairing: This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, a light green salad, or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover cheese and sauce.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerating Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or a freezer-safe dish. You can also wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil for extra protection against freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to label the dish with the date so you know when it was frozen.
- Reheating: When ready to eat, you can reheat the casserole in the microwave or oven:
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, or until hot.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and heat it for 20-25 minutes, or until the center is warmed through. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of reheating.
- Reviving the Crust: If the crispy cheese crust has softened after storage, you can place the casserole under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to help it regain its golden, crunchy texture.
Serving Suggestions for Leftovers:
- Casserole Muffins: For a fun twist, scoop leftover casserole into muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. This turns your casserole into individual serving-sized bites!
- Lunchbox Friendly: Reheat portions and pack them in lunch containers for an easy, satisfying lunch the next day.
By following these storage and serving tips, you’ll ensure that your Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole stays fresh and delicious long after it’s made, with the added bonus of easy-to-enjoy leftovers!
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?
Yes, you can use brown rice as a substitute for white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the cooking time. You’ll want to cook the brown rice beforehand until it’s tender, as it requires more liquid and a longer cooking time than white rice.
2. Can I make Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and cook as instructed. If frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
3. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutrition of your casserole. Popular choices include bell peppers, peas, corn, spinach, or mushrooms. Simply sauté the vegetables before adding them to the beef mixture to ensure they are cooked through.
4. How do I store leftover Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Print
Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines hearty ground beef, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a layer of melted cheddar cheese and crispy crust. This easy-to-make casserole is a crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup frozen corn or peas (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. If needed, add olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Season with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Combine Casserole Ingredients:
- Stir the uncooked rice into the beef mixture.
- Add the beef broth, canned tomatoes (with their juice), and frozen vegetables (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the beef and rice mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Add the Cheddar Crust:
- In a small bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the casserole.
6. Bake and Serve:
- Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.