Description
Looking for a quick dinner idea that’s comforting, filling, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family? This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate easy recipe for busy weeknights. With layers of savory ground beef, tender rice, creamy soup, and golden cheese, this hearty dish is a go-to for effortless food ideas. Whether you need a warm lunch, weeknight dinner, or make-ahead freezer meal, this casserole is the perfect addition to your easy dinner rotation. Plus, it fits right in with classic breakfast ideas or leftover-friendly meals. It’s everything you want from a comfort food casserole — quick, simple, and delicious.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
1 medium onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
1.5 cups beef broth or water
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
0.5 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Optional chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook 1 cup of long grain white rice according to package instructions and let it cool slightly.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, ground beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well blended.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture into the dish and smooth the top.
5. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining 0.5 cup cheese, and bake for 10–15 more minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
7. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra richness, sauté onions and garlic in butter instead of oil.
If the mixture seems too thick before baking, add a bit more broth to keep it creamy.
Shred cheese yourself for better melt and flavor compared to pre-shredded.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg