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Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 443 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This hearty and comforting Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole offers three different preparation styles: Quick, Semi-Homemade, and From Scratch. Each version combines ground beef, rice, carrots, and cheese baked to perfection, delivering a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The casserole is baked until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted, creating a delicious all-in-one dish with layered flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Quick Recipe

  • 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice (uncooked)
  • 2 Cups Water
  • 1 Cup Carrots (sliced)
  • 1/2 to 1 Pound Ground Beef (cooked)
  • Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese (about 9 slices)

Semi Homemade

  • 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice (uncooked)
  • 2 Cups Water
  • 1/2 to 1 Pound Ground Beef (cooked)
  • 1 Cup Carrots (sliced)
  • 13.9 ounces Pacific Foods Mushroom Gravy
  • 1/2 Cup Milk
  • Colby Jack or Medium Cheddar Cheese (for topping)

From Scratch

  • 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1/4 Cup Onion (minced)
  • 1 Clove Garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 Cup White Button Mushroom (minced)
  • 3 Tablespoons Flour
  • 1/2 Cup Cream
  • 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 Cups Water
  • 1/2 to 1 Pound Ground Beef (cooked)
  • 1 Cup Carrots (sliced)
  • 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice (uncooked)
  • Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese (about 9 slices)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray an 8×9 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
  2. Quick Recipe Mixing: In a large bowl, stir together 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice, 2 cups water, 1 cup sliced carrots, and 1/2 to 1 pound cooked ground beef until well combined. Transfer this mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  3. Bake Quick Recipe: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 90 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through and absorb flavors.
  4. Add cheese and finish Quick Recipe: After baking, lay approximately 9 slices of cheddar or Colby Jack cheese on top. Return to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
  5. Semi-Homemade Gravy Mix: In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups water, 13.9 ounces Pacific Foods mushroom gravy, and 1/2 cup milk until smooth. Add 1 cup uncooked rice, 1/2 to 1 pound cooked ground beef, and 1 cup sliced carrots. Stir to combine evenly.
  6. Bake Semi-Homemade Casserole: Pour the mixture into the greased 8×9 inch baking dish and bake uncovered at 350°F for 90 minutes.
  7. Add cheese and finish Semi-Homemade: Remove from oven, top with sliced Colby Jack or medium cheddar cheese, then bake for another few minutes until cheese melts.
  8. Prepare From Scratch Mushroom Sauce: In a medium pan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add minced onion, garlic, and white button mushrooms, sautéing until fragrant and softened.
  9. Make Roux and Sauce: Whisk in 3 tablespoons flour continuously for 30 to 60 seconds to form a roux. Gradually add 1/2 cup cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth, cooking until the mixture thickens. Season with 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste, then remove from heat.
  10. Combine From Scratch Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, mix the mushroom cream sauce, 1 cup uncooked rice, 2 cups water, 1/2 to 1 pound cooked ground beef, and 1 cup sliced carrots thoroughly.
  11. Bake From Scratch Casserole: Bake at 350°F uncovered for 90 minutes until rice is tender.
  12. Add cheese and finish From Scratch: Top with approximately 9 slices of cheddar or Colby Jack cheese and bake a few more minutes until melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Cooking times are approximate; rice is done when tender and liquid is absorbed.
  • The amount of ground beef can be adjusted based on preference and serving size.
  • Cheese variety can be swapped between cheddar, Colby Jack, or a blend for different flavor profiles.
  • Using cooked ground beef reduces overall cook time and ensures meat is fully cooked.
  • Adding the cheese at the end prevents it from overcooking and allows a nice melted topping.
  • For a lower fat version, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese.
  • Optional: Add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor in the from scratch mushroom sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

Find it online: https://yumyy.com/cheesy-ground-beef-rice-casserole-recipe/