If you’re longing for a meal that feels like a cozy hug from the inside out, you absolutely have to try Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. This dish is the epitome of comforting home cooking—savory beef, creamy rice, sweet veggies, and loads of gooey cheddar, all baked together to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with family, bring to potlucks, or keep in your back pocket for any night when you crave something both heartwarming and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole comes together using familiar kitchen staples, each ingredient playing a starring role in flavor, texture, or pure comfort. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters so much:
- Ground beef (1 pound, 90% lean): Brings robust, meaty depth—go lean for a lighter bite without losing flavor.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice (1 cup): The backbone of the casserole, this keeps every forkful hearty and satisfying.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base after sautéing.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Instantly boosts the savory intensity—don’t skip it!
- Frozen peas and carrots (1 cup, thawed): Tiny pops of color and a tender sweetness to contrast the savory richness.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The creamy secret weapon that brings everything together in a luscious sauce.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): For extra tang and creaminess that makes this casserole sing.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Loosens the sauce just enough for spoonable, saucy bites.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Don’t forget this basic—essential for pulling out every flavor note.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For that gentle back-of-the-throat warmth.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a hint of color and smoky depth.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch intensifies the savory foundation, perfectly matching the fresh garlic.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): The star of the show—melty, sharp, and irresistibly golden when baked.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps you sauté those onions and garlic to fragrant perfection.
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing): Guarantees your casserole pops easily out of the dish with every scoop.
How to Make Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Dish and Preheat
Start by setting your oven to 375°F. While it heats, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with either cooking spray or a swipe of butter. Prepping your pan right from the get-go not only makes clean-up easier but also ensures every layer of the Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole comes out beautifully, with that ideal golden edge.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, letting it soften and become translucent—about four minutes. Add the minced garlic next, and sauté just until fragrant, around 30 seconds; this step releases their aromatic magic into your beefy, creamy casserole base.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add your ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Let it brown fully, which should take 6 to 8 minutes. If your beef releases excess fat, go ahead and drain it off. You’re left with a savory, crumbly base that forms the backbone of every bite in this dish.
Step 4: Mix in Rice, Veggies, and Seasonings
Next, pile in your uncooked long-grain rice and thawed peas and carrots right into the skillet. Pour in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder across the top and mix it all together. The aromas and colors will already be irresistible, and mixing ensures every spoonful of Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole will be flavorful.
Step 5: Add Cheddar and Assemble
Fold 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the mixture—this makes the inside incredibly creamy and adds loads of flavor. Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish and smooth the top for even, edge-to-edge goodness.
Step 6: Top with More Cheddar
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese in an even layer over the casserole. This is where the “cheddar-crusted” magic really happens. That sharp cheddar layer will melt into a golden, bubbly crust with unbeatable flavor.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover your dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top is perfectly golden and the Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is bubbling along the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—this hot pause lets everything settle and makes for perfect scoops.
How to Serve Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley or fresh chives over each serving. The green pops against the golden cheese, adding a whisper of freshness that really elevates the casserole. If you want a crunch, a handful of crispy fried onions or crushed Ritz crackers on top during the last 10 minutes of baking brings a delightful contrast.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside simple salads with tangy vinaigrettes, roasted broccoli, or even buttery corn. Biscuits or garlic bread are also wonderful for scooping up the creamy, cheesy goodness that makes Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole so irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
You can scoop the casserole into ramekins for individual portioned servings at gatherings, or shape generous helpings using a ring mold for dinner parties. Leftover slices also work fantastically tucked into warm tortillas for a next-day burrito with a cheesy, beefy twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole cool to room temperature before covering tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap the dish tightly with a double layer of foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Label and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until fully warmed through—usually about 20 minutes. Individual servings also microwave well in one-minute bursts, though the cheese topping will be at its best from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice in the casserole?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a wholesome swap, though keep in mind you’ll need to increase the baking time to ensure the rice cooks through. You may also want to add an extra splash of milk if the mixture seems a bit dry before baking.
Can I make Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven (you may need to add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold).
Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you’d rather skip the canned soup, you can make a quick homemade sauce with sautéed mushrooms, a bit of flour, broth, and some milk or cream. It adds a fresh touch and works perfectly in this recipe.
Can I swap out the ground beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken works well, offering a lighter flavor. Or, try a mix of beef and pork for a little extra richness—this recipe is forgiving and welcoming to your favorite protein twists.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
Look for that signature golden, bubbly top and check that the rice is tender. Letting it rest for 5 minutes after baking also helps firm up each slice, ensuring you get perfect, cheesy scoops every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table for a meal that brings everyone running, and Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole does exactly that. It’s foolproof, flavor-packed, and just waiting to be made (and loved) in your kitchen. I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite for you and your family—don’t be surprised if it disappears in record time!
Print
Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner. With layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, vegetables, and a creamy cheese topping, this casserole is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef, 90% lean
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, sauté diced onion in olive oil until soft. Add minced garlic and cook briefly.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in rice, peas, carrots, soup, sour cream, milk, seasonings, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture in the baking dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- For added crunch, top with crushed Ritz crackers or fried onions during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Brown rice can be used, but adjust the cook time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous scoop
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
