Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal — hearty,

 creamy, and loaded with flavor.
Tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a rich, velvety sauce made with sour cream and cream of mushroom soup come together under
a golden blanket of melted cheddar cheese. It’s a family favorite that’s quick to prepare, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights
or cozy Sunday dinners. Brought to you by tinsuf.

Recipe Details

• Author: tinsuf
• Cuisine: American
• Category: Main Course, Casserole
• Keywords: ground beef casserole, cheesy rice casserole, comfort food, beef and rice bake
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef	1 lb (450 g)
Onion, chopped	1 medium
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Salt	1 tsp
Black pepper	½ tsp
Paprika	1 tsp
Cream of mushroom soup	1 can (10.5 oz)
Sour cream	1 cup
Milk	½ cup
Cooked white rice	1½ cups
Shredded cheddar cheese	2 cups, divided
Frozen peas (optional)	½ cup
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)	1 tbsp

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown 1 lb ground beef with 1 medium chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves over medium heat. Season with 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika. Drain excess grease.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Add the cooked beef mixture, cooked rice, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir in frozen peas if desired.
4. Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
5. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is golden brown.
6. Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Troubleshooting & Consistency Tips

• Too thick? Add an extra splash of milk before baking for a creamier texture.
• Too runny? Bake uncovered for a few more minutes to help it thicken.
• Rice tips: Use day-old cooked rice for the best consistency — it absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• Cheese options: Mix cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a smoother melt.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions.

To make ahead, assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of ground beef, sour cream, and mushroom soup creates a deeply savory, creamy base that perfectly complements the soft rice and gooey cheese. Baking everything together allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to form a golden crust, making every bite rich and satisfying. This timeless casserole showcases why simple ingredients, handled with care, never go out of style.

Expert Tips

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• For a crispy topping, mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese before baking.
• Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: ~430 kcal | Protein: 24 g | Carbohydrates: 22 g | Fat: 28 g | Sodium: 780 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugars: 4 g

Recipe by tinsuf — bringing you comforting, home-style recipes like this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty satisfaction.