The Coziest Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

Crafting a comforting cheddar-crusted ground beef and rice casserole brings pure kitchen magic to your dinner table.

Cheese lovers will swoon over this hearty one-pan wonder.

Layers of melted cheddar create a golden, crispy topping that seals in rich flavors.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying meals like this crowd-pleasing dish.

Home cooks searching for budget-friendly recipes will appreciate its straightforward preparation.

Minimal ingredients and maximum taste make this casserole a guaranteed winner at any meal.

Flavor Switches for Cheddar Ground Beef Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Beef Bake: Replace tomato sauce with salsa, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Lamb Casserole: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, use diced tomatoes instead of tomato sauce, mix in oregano, and sprinkle feta cheese on top.
• Chicken and Mushroom Version: Use ground chicken, add sautéed mushrooms, replace tomato sauce with cream of mushroom soup, and top with Swiss cheese.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Remix: Substitute ground beef with black beans, add corn kernels, use enchilada sauce, and cover with a Mexican cheese blend.

What Matches Cheddar Ground Beef Casserole Well

• Uncork a Bold Red Wine: Pair this hearty casserole with a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, whose rich tannins complement the savory beef and melted cheddar, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light mixed greens salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness, adding freshness and balancing the dish's creamy texture.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare garlic-seasoned roasted broccoli or asparagus to introduce a nutritious vegetable element that enhances the meal's overall complexity and provides a vibrant color contrast.

Keep Beef and Rice Casserole Fresh

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days when sealed properly.

Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.

Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed and reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as a lean alternative to beef in this casserole.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! Ground beef, rice, and cheese are affordable ingredients that make this casserole economical and filling.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add frozen mixed vegetables like peas or carrots to the beef mixture to boost the nutritional value and add extra color and texture.

Why This Cheddar Crusted Casserole Is Comforting

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole brings everyone together with its irresistible combination of hearty ground beef, creamy rice, and melted cheddar cheese that makes dinner feel special.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: One-pan preparation means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, perfect for busy families looking for a satisfying meal without complicated steps.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to make this recipe your own, creating a flexible dish that adapts to your pantry and taste preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and rice, this casserole delivers rich, filling flavors without breaking the bank, making it a smart choice for economical meal planning.

Ingredients for Cheddar Ground Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.

• Diced Onion, Garlic Powder: These ingredients add depth and aromatic notes to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Cooked Rice: A classic side that transforms into a substantial base for the casserole.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and a rich, slightly tangy flavor to the beef mixture.
• Sour Cream: Introduces a creamy texture and subtle tanginess to the dish.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Creates a golden, melty crust that adds a sharp and rich flavor to the casserole.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that provides a pop of color and a mild herb flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Cheddar Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) to prepare for deliciousness.

Step 2: Brown The Beef And Onions

Grab a skillet and cook ground beef with diced onions over medium heat.

Let the beef turn golden and the onions become soft and translucent. Drain away any extra grease for a lighter dish.

Step 3: Build The Flavor Base

• Garlic powder
• Tomato sauce
• Cooked rice
• Sour cream

Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper until the mixture looks creamy and well-blended.

Step 4: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the entire beef and rice mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbling blanket.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor before bringing this comforting meal to the table.

Notes for Perfect Cheddar Beef Casserole

• Remove as much fat as possible after cooking ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp texture.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the savory profile of the ground beef mixture.
• Use day-old or slightly cooled rice to prevent mushiness and maintain a perfect separated grain consistency in the casserole.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and create a more appealing golden-brown surface.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version of the dish.

Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty cheddar-crusted ground beef and rice casserole delivers pure comfort on a plate, blending savory meat and fluffy rice under a golden cheese blanket. Families will savor this classic one-dish meal that promises warmth and satisfaction in every satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Sauce and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a greased baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with diced onions until meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent.
3. Drain excess fat from the skillet, then mix in garlic powder and tomato sauce, creating a rich, savory base.
4. Fold in cooked rice and sour cream, ensuring ingredients are thoroughly blended and seasoned with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
6. Generously top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is completely melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finish before serving.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adding jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier whole grain alternative to white rice.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure tomato sauce and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to accommodate dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 495 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg