Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice (Print Version)
Comforting baked casserole with seasoned beef, rice, and melted cheese perfect for family dinners.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
→ Rice & Grains
05 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
→ Dairy
06 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
07 - 1/2 cup sour cream
08 - 1 1/2 cups whole milk
→ Pantry
09 - 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
10 - 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
15 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
03 - Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onion is softened and fragrant.
04 - Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
05 - Remove skillet from heat. Add uncooked rice, 1 cup cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
06 - Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading into an even layer.
07 - Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 35 minutes until rice is tender and mixture is bubbling.
08 - Remove foil and sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to oven uncovered and bake for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
09 - Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and make serving easier.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Everything bakes in one dish so cleanup is practically nonexistent
- The rice absorbs all those savory beef and cheese flavors while it cooks
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for tomorrows lunch
02 -
- Dont skip covering with foil for the first bake or the rice wont cook through properly
- The casserole might look slightly liquidy before the final bake but thats completely normal
- Letting it rest is crucial for the best texture
03 -
- Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded for better melting
- Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly and prevent any curdling