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Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with savory ground beef, creamy rice, and a crispy cheddar topping, this one-pan dinner is both easy to make and absolutely delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or potlucks, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. The combination of gooey melted cheese and a golden breadcrumb crust adds the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Serve it with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
  3. Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir and cook for another minute.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, oregano, garlic powder, and milk. Mix well.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. If using, add breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For the best crispy cheese crust: Use freshly shredded cheddar and broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
  • To make it gluten-free: Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free crackers or omit them entirely.
  • For a healthier version: Use ground turkey, brown rice, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
  • Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for an extra kick.
  • Storage Tip: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating Tip: Add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to keep the casserole moist.

This cheesy, beefy casserole is quick, budget-friendly, and customizable—a must-try for any comfort food lover! 🍽️🔥

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/cheddar-crusted-ground-beef-and-rice-casserole-2/