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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

5 from 18 reviews

A comforting and hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole that combines tender ground beef, long grain rice, sliced carrots, and a rich cheesy topping. This versatile casserole can be made quickly with canned soup, semi-homemade with mushroom gravy, or entirely from scratch with a creamy mushroom sauce, baked to perfection for a satisfying meal.

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 (sliced, about 9 pieces)

Semi Homemade

  • 2 Cups Water
  • 1 Package Pacific Foods Mushroom Gravy (13.9 ounces)
  • 1/2 Cup Milk
  • 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice (uncooked)
  • 1/2 to 1 Pound Ground Beef (cooked)
  • 1 Cup Carrots (sliced)
  • Colby Jack or Medium Cheddar Cheese (for topping, about 9 slices)

From Scratch

  • 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1/4 Cup Onion (minced)
  • 1 Clove Garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 Cup White Button Mushrooms (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 Cup Long Grain White Rice (uncooked)
  • 1/2 to 1 Pound Ground Beef (cooked)
  • 1 Cup Carrots (sliced)
  • Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese (sliced, about 9 slices)

Instructions

  1. Quick Recipe: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray an 8×9″ baking dish with nonstick spray. In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, uncooked rice, water, sliced carrots, and cooked ground beef. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 90 minutes. Remove from the oven, top with cheese slices, and bake for an additional few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove and let rest before serving.
  2. Semi Homemade: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×9″ baking dish. In a small bowl, whisk together the water, mushroom gravy, and milk until combined. In a larger bowl, combine this mushroom mixture with uncooked rice, cooked ground beef, and sliced carrots, stirring well to evenly combine. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and bake uncovered for 90 minutes. Once done, add cheese slices on top and return the dish to the oven for a couple more minutes until the cheese melts. Serve warm.
  3. From Scratch: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced onion, garlic, and mushrooms, sautéing until soft and fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 30-60 seconds to form a roux. Gradually add the cream and chicken broth, whisking continually until the sauce thickens. Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste, then remove from heat. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray an 8×9″ baking dish with nonstick spray. Combine the cream sauce, uncooked rice, water, cooked ground beef, and sliced carrots in the baking dish, stirring to combine. Bake uncovered for 90 minutes. Top with cheese slices and bake for a few additional minutes until melted. Let rest briefly before serving.

Notes

  • Cooking times may vary depending on your oven and the rice variety; check for tenderness before removing from the oven.
  • You can adjust the amount of ground beef between 1/2 and 1 pound based on your preference or desired protein content.
  • For added flavor, consider seasoning the beef with salt, pepper, or garlic powder before cooking.
  • Use a sharp cheddar or Colby Jack cheese for a flavorful and melty topping.
  • This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if baking from chilled.
  • For a lower fat option, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated well.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy beef casserole, ground beef casserole, rice casserole, mushroom soup casserole, easy casserole recipe, baked rice casserole