Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender ground beef, creamy soup, and cheesy goodness all in one. It’s easy to make and is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This recipe is not only satisfying, but it also uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd!
How to Make Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs Ground beef
- 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Onion powder
- 1 can Cream of mushroom soup, condensed
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups White rice, cooked
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Milk
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and the cream of mushroom soup.
- Add the cooked rice and mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Pour the milk over the top and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm.
How to Serve Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Ground Beef Rice Casserole can be served as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It’s also delicious with some hot sauce or your favorite condiment on the side, giving it an extra kick!
How to Store Ground Beef Rice Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Ground Beef Rice Casserole
- For a little extra flavor, consider adding some chopped onions or bell peppers when browning the ground beef.
- If you like it cheesy, feel free to add more cheddar cheese on top.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a different taste.
- Make sure your rice is fully cooked before adding it to the mixture to ensure even cooking in the casserole.
Variation
You can easily modify this casserole by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Additionally, swapping out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery is another great option. You can also add frozen vegetables like peas or corn to make it even heartier.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to cook it longer prior to mixing it into the casserole.
2. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
3. How do I know if the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, usually in about 25-30 minutes of baking. A food thermometer can help; it should read at least 165°F (74°C) internally.
Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Onion powder
- 1 can Cream of mushroom soup, condensed Can substitute with cream of chicken if desired.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups White rice, cooked Ensure rice is fully cooked.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups Cheddar cheese Feel free to add more for a cheesier casserole.
- 1/2 cup Milk
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and the cream of mushroom soup.
- Add the cooked rice and mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembly
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Pour the milk over the top and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm.
