Description
This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, creamy, and cheesy dish with perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a crispy cheddar topping. It’s an easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice for extra fiber)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook ground beef, onions, and garlic until beef is browned (5–7 minutes).
- Combine cooked rice, beef broth, sour cream, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper in the skillet. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs (if using) over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
- For extra nutrition, add chopped bell peppers or spinach before baking.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American