Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1/2 cup milk or beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

2. 2

   Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.

3. 3

   Add Garlic: Stir the minced garlic into the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the flavor base of the casserole.

4. 4

   Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a creamy sauce that binds the casserole components.

5. 5

   Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish: In your prepared baking dish, mix the cooked rice with the beef and onion mixture, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the creamy sauce. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.

6. 6

   Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.

7. 7

   Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

8. 8

   Optional Broil for Crispiness: For an extra crispy cheese crust, broil the casserole for 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

9. 9

   Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish and serve the casserole hot for a satisfying meal.