Ohhh yes, now we’re talkin’ serious comfort food — Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Cheese is cozy, filling, and absolutely perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. You’ve got seasoned ground beef, tender rice, a creamy tomato base, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s like a hug in a baking dish.
Hearty Beef & Rice Casserole with Cheese
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice, but adjust cooking time)
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2 ½ cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt & pepper to taste
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar & mozzarella)
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Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for topping
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13″ casserole dish.
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Brown the beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain excess grease. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute. -
Mix it all together:
In a large bowl (or directly in the casserole dish), combine:-
Cooked beef mixture
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Uncooked rice
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Diced tomatoes (with juices)
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Cream of soup
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Beef broth
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Paprika, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper
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Pour into casserole dish and spread evenly. Cover tightly with foil.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until rice is tender.
(Check at 45 min—if it looks dry, add a splash more broth.) -
Add the cheese:
Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese all over the top, and return to oven uncovered for 10 minutes or until melty and bubbly. -
Garnish and serve
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Top with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh pop!
Make it Your Own:
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Add frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra veg
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Use spicy Rotel instead of plain tomatoes for a Tex-Mex vibe
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Swap beef for ground turkey or sausage
Want to make it a freezer-friendly meal? Or a slow cooker version? Just holler!