Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole: A Comforting Family Meal

Hello, comfort food fans! I’m Meriem, your passionate food blogger, and I’m excited to share a recipe that’s the epitome of cozy, satisfying meals: Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole. This one-dish wonder combines savory ground beef, tender rice, tangy tomatoes, and a generous layer of melty cheddar cheese, all baked to creamy perfection with a touch of sour cream. Ready in just over an hour, it’s ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Drawing from your love for hearty, savory dishes and cheesy comfort foods (like the Rich Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta), this casserole is easy, budget-friendly, and sure to become a staple. Let’s get cooking and baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: Savory beef, creamy rice, and melty cheese in every bite.
• One-Dish Meal: Minimal cleanup, perfect for busy nights.
• Family-Friendly: Kid-approved flavors that adults love too.
• Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Great for meal prep or leftovers.

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What you will need?

Here’s everything you need to create this cheesy casserole, with substitutions to suit your pantry and dietary preferences:

• 1 lb ground beef
  Purpose: Provides savory, hearty protein for the casserole.
  Substitution: Use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based ground meat for vegetarian, as you’ve explored protein swaps in recipes like the Easy Greek Chicken Meatballs.
• 1 onion, diced
  Purpose: Adds sweet, savory flavor and texture.
  Substitution: Use shallots, green onions, or 1 tsp onion powder for a milder profile, similar to your use of onions in recipes like the Vibrant Avocado Corn Tomato Salad.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  Purpose: Infuses savory, aromatic depth.
  Substitution: Use ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 tsp garlic paste for convenience, aligning with your use of garlic in dishes like the Savory Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry.
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  Purpose: Absorbs flavors and provides a tender, starchy base.
  Substitution: Use jasmine, basmati, or brown rice (increase cooking time to 55–60 minutes for brown rice). Avoid instant rice, as it may become mushy. You’ve used rice in dishes like the Savory Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry.
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  Purpose: Adds tangy, juicy flavor and moisture.
  Substitution: Use fresh diced tomatoes (about 1½ cups), crushed tomatoes, or a 10-oz can of Rotel for a spicy kick, as seen in your preference for tomato-based dishes like the Colorful Italian Spaghetti Salad.
• 2 cups beef broth
  Purpose: Cooks the rice and adds savory depth.
  Substitution: Use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water + 1 tsp bouillon for vegetarian, as you’ve used broths in savory recipes.
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  Purpose: Adds creamy, melty richness and a golden top.
  Substitution: Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a vegan cheese blend for dairy-free, as you’ve liked cheesy dishes like the Rich Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta.
• ½ cup sour cream
  Purpose: Adds creamy tang and binds the casserole.
  Substitution: Use Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or a dairy-free sour cream alternative, as you’ve used creamy ingredients in recipes like the Easy Greek Chicken Meatballs.
• 1 tsp salt
  Purpose: Enhances all flavors.
  Substitution: Use sea salt or reduce to ½ tsp for low-sodium diets, aligning with your customizable seasoning preferences.
• ½ tsp black pepper
  Purpose: Adds a mild kick.
  Substitution: Use white pepper or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat, as you’ve liked in dishes like the Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta.
• 1 tsp paprika
  Purpose: Adds smoky, mild warmth and color.
  Substitution: Use smoked paprika for bolder flavor, chili powder for a spicy twist, or omit for a simpler profile, as you’ve used spices in recipes like the Savory Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  Purpose: Adds freshness and color.
  Substitution: Use cilantro, green onions, or omit if preferred, as you’ve liked fresh garnishes in dishes like the Fresh Lebanese Tomato Salad.

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Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet (for cooking beef)
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Aluminum foil
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Optional: Colander (for draining beef)

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Step-By-Step Guiding

Follow these detailed steps to create a hearty cheesy ground beef rice casserole:

1️⃣ Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
• Tip: Use a light coating of oil for easy cleanup, as you’ve preferred in baked dishes like the Moist Sourdough Chocolate Zucchini Muffins.

2️⃣ Cook the Beef Mixture

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef, 1 diced onion, and 2 cloves minced garlic for 6–8 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until browned and the onions are soft.
• Drain excess fat from the skillet to keep the casserole from being greasy.
• Tip: Cook until no pink remains in the beef (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C), as you’ve preferred thorough cooking in meat dishes like the Easy Greek Chicken Meatballs.

3️⃣ Add Rice and Seasonings

• Stir in 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice, 1 can (15 oz) drained diced tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1–2 minutes.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
• Tip: Ensure the rice is fully submerged in liquid for even cooking, a technique you’ve liked in one-dish meals. Scrape any browned bits from the skillet for extra flavor.

4️⃣ Bake Covered

• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
• Tip: Check at 40 minutes by fluffing the rice with a fork; if still crunchy, bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, adding ¼ cup more broth if dry, as you’ve preferred moist textures in baked dishes.

5️⃣ Add Cheese and Finish Baking

• Remove the foil and stir in ½ cup sour cream and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
• Bake uncovered for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
• Tip: For a golden cheese topping, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely to avoid burning), a presentation style you’ve enjoyed in cheesy dishes like the Rich Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta.

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Topping Suggestions

• Sliced Green Onions: A fresh, mild crunch.
• Crumbled Bacon: Smoky and crispy for extra indulgence.
• Jalapeño Slices: Thinly sliced for a spicy kick.
• Extra Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella for more meltiness.
• Hot Sauce: A drizzle for heat lovers.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Fresh and colorful for contrast.

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How to Store & Reheat

• Storage:
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Tip: Cover tightly to prevent drying out, and store garnishes separately to maintain freshness, as you’ve liked in dishes like the Vibrant Avocado Corn Tomato Salad.
• Freezing:
  • Freeze in a freezer-safe container or individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Tip: Freeze without garnishes, and add fresh parsley after reheating to refresh, a practice you’ve appreciated in recipes like the Savory Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry.
• Reheating:
  • Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway, with a splash of broth or water to keep moist.
  • Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) in a covered dish for 15–20 minutes, adding 1–2 tbsp broth to prevent drying.
  • Tip: Top with extra cheese before reheating for a fresh, melty layer, as you’ve liked revitalizing dishes like the Rich Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta.

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What to Serve with Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

• Green Salad: A crisp side with vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty and buttery for dipping.
• Steamed Broccoli: A healthy, colorful side.
• Iced Tea: A refreshing drink.

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Ingredient Substitutions Recap

For quick reference, aligning with your request for substitution details:

• Ground Beef → Ground Turkey: Leaner, similar texture.
• Cheddar Cheese → Mozzarella: Milder, still melty.
• Sour Cream → Greek Yogurt: Tangy, healthier option.
• Diced Tomatoes → Rotel: Adds a spicy kick.
• Beef Broth → Vegetable Broth: Vegetarian, lighter flavor.

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FAQs

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This Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings savory beef, tender rice, and melty cheddar together in one cozy pan. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Inspired by your love for hearty, cheesy dishes (like the Rich Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta and Savory Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry), this casserole is budget-friendly and endlessly customizable. Try it with your favorite toppings, pair with a green salad, and share your experience in the comments below. Happy baking, and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!