Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Casserole
In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, ground beef mixture, and creamy sauce. Mix well.
Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.