Beef and Rice Casserole

This Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, tender rice, and a creamy, flavorful base. It’s the perfect one-dish meal for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this casserole will become a family favorite in no time!

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tbsp butter, melted (optional, for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Prepare the Casserole Base:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and beef broth. Mix well.
2. Stir in the uncooked rice, ground beef mixture, thyme, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Assemble the Casserole:

1. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
2. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.

Optional Topping:

1. If desired, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture over the cheese for a crunchy topping.

Bake the Casserole:

1. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cool and Serve:

1. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite side dishes!

Recipe Tips

• Make it Creamier: Add an extra ½ cup of sour cream for a richer texture.
• Use Brown Rice: If using brown rice, increase the baking time and add more broth as needed.
• Vegetable Boost: Add frozen peas, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrition and color.

What to Serve with Beef and Rice Casserole

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or dinner rolls for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

3. Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes! Use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.

This Beef and Rice Casserole is a simple, satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week!

Beef and Rice Casserole

This Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, tender rice, and a creamy, flavorful base. It's the perfect one-dish meal for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• 9x13 inch casserole dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs optional, for topping
• 2 tbsp butter melted (optional, for topping)

Instructions

 

• Cook the Ground Beef:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Prepare the Casserole Base:
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and beef broth. Mix well.
• Stir in the uncooked rice, ground beef mixture, thyme, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
• Assemble the Casserole:
• Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
• Optional Topping:
• If desired, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture over the cheese for a crunchy topping.
• Bake the Casserole:
• Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Cool and Serve:
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite side dishes!

Notes

Make it Creamier: Add an extra ½ cup of sour cream for a richer texture.
Use Brown Rice: If using brown rice, increase the baking time and add more broth as needed.