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Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

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This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting, and family-friendly dinner made with simple pantry staples. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, it’s a one-pan wonder perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onion (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet with oil or nonstick spray.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. When halfway browned (about 3-4 minutes), add diced onion and continue cooking until onion is soft and beef is fully browned (another 3-4 minutes). Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and broth until smooth.
  4. Add uncooked rice to the beef mixture in the skillet (or transfer to baking dish if not oven-safe). Pour the soup mixture over the beef and rice, stirring well to combine and ensure rice is evenly distributed.
  5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. If adding extra veggies, tuck them under the cheese.
  6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes (45-50 minutes if using brown rice).
  7. Remove foil and bake for 10-15 more minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown and rice is tender.
  8. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onion if desired.
  9. Serve hot, optionally with a green salad or steamed veggies.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free condensed soup and check your broth. Add extra veggies like bell peppers, peas, or spinach for more nutrition. Brown rice or cauliflower rice can be substituted with adjustments to liquid and bake time. Shred your own cheese for best melting. Leftovers keep well and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy casserole, ground beef, rice casserole, family dinner, comfort food, easy casserole, one pan meal, kid friendly, make ahead, freezer friendly

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/cheesy-ground-beef-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-family-dinner-magic/