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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

A family-friendly casserole featuring ground beef, rice, and gooey cheese that’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
  • 1/2 cup milk or beef broth
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk (or beef broth), paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix well to combine everything.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. For a crispy cheese topping, you can even broil it for an extra 2 minutes.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

For a healthier twist, consider using ground turkey or swapping white rice for brown rice. You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.