Description
Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole, a hearty dish that brings family together around the dinner table. Melted cheese, seasoned beef, and fluffy rice combine into a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Starches:
- 1 cup cooked rice
Dairy and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F and lightly coat a casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until no pink remains, then carefully drain accumulated fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned meat with pre-cooked rice, creating a hearty base for the casserole.
- Fold in cream of mushroom soup, stirring gently to integrate the creamy element throughout the mixture.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution for consistent cheesy flavor in every bite.
- Mix in sour cream, which will add richness and create a smooth, luxurious texture to the casserole.
- Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, thoroughly blending to distribute spices evenly.
- Transfer the combined ingredients into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform cooking.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges become golden and the center is bubbling hot.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and casserole to set.
Notes
- Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty flavor to the casserole.
- Enhance the dish’s texture by topping with crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking for a delightful crunchy layer.
- Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and using less added salt, making it heart-friendly for those watching their salt intake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg