Name: Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 2 cups cooked white rice; 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1/4 cup milk; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing)

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If there’s one recipe that shouts “comfort food” from the rooftops, it’s this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Creamy, savory, and topped with a golden, bubbling layer of cheddar, every bite combines nostalgic weeknight ease with heartwarming homestyle flavors. It takes familiar, affordable ingredients and transforms them into a perfectly satisfying main dish you’ll want to serve on repeat. Whether you need an easy dinner for busy nights or something crowd-pleasing for a potluck, this casserole has charm and flavor to spare.

Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and some fresh favorites, you’ll be amazed by how each element plays a role in making this dish extra special. From the tender ground beef to the oozy cheddar crust, these ingredients come together to give our casserole its signature taste and comforting texture.

Ground Beef (1 pound): The meaty, hearty base that gives this casserole its substance.
Yellow Onion, diced (1 small): Adds sweetness and depth, melting right into the beef mixture.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings an aromatic kick that brightens up every bite.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for making all the flavors pop.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A hint of warm heat and balance.
Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds just a whisper of earthiness and herby goodness.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For color and a gentle smoky undertone.
Cooked White Rice (2 cups): The cozy, satisfying base that absorbs all the savory goodness.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 10.5 oz can): Lends irresistible creaminess; you can swap for cream of chicken or celery as a twist.
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Offers tang and a rich, velvety finish.
Frozen Peas and Carrots, thawed (1 cup): Peck a colorful burst and gentle sweetness into every spoonful.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups, divided): Creates that iconic cheddar crust and extra melty richness throughout.
Milk (1/4 cup): Helps the casserole stay perfectly moist and creamy.
Olive Oil or Butter (1 tablespoon, for greasing): Prevents any stickiness and adds a subtle layer of buttery flavor.

How to Make Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by setting your oven to preheat at 375°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and thoroughly grease it with either olive oil or butter—this simple move ensures that no cheesy goodness is left behind when you serve, and gives the bottom a subtly rich flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef together with the diced onion. Stir occasionally and let them sizzle away until the onion is tender and the beef is nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any extra fat so the casserole isn’t greasy but keeps its rich taste.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and paprika. Stir everything together, letting the fragrances bloom for a minute or so. This layer of seasoning gives the Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole its foundational savory warmth.

Step 4: Merge the Flavors

Take the skillet off the heat and let the mixture cool just a bit. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, the beef and onion mix, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, thawed peas and carrots, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar, and milk. Mix until everything is evenly coated with creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Layer and Top with Cheddar

Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish, gently spreading it out for an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese all across the top, making sure every corner gets its fair share for the ultimate cheddar crust.

Step 6: Bake

Place your casserole in the oven, letting it bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When the cheese is fully melted and gold at the edges, and everything is bubbling, you know it’s ready to come out. The aroma alone will tempt you before it even leaves the oven!

Step 7: Rest, Then Serve

Allow the hot Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole to cool for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This helps it set for easier serving and melds the flavors perfectly.

How to Serve Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Garnishes

Amp up the color and flavor by scattering chopped fresh parsley or chives over the bubbling top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or even a sprinkle of extra paprika also makes for an inviting finish, making each plate look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with a simple green salad or some roasted broccolini brings balance to the hearty richness. Fluffy dinner rolls are also perfect for sopping up any cheesy bites left on your plate—trust me, you won’t want to let any go to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks or parties, spoon individual servings into ramekins for a personal touch. Or, cut the casserole into neat squares and place them atop a bed of lightly dressed mixed greens. You can even top each piece with a fried egg for a brunch twist that gets everyone talking about your signature Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover casserole cool to room temperature, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer servings to airtight containers. Stored this way in the refrigerator, your Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days—making it a winner for lunchboxes or easy dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled casserole securely in a couple layers of plastic wrap and foil, or use airtight, freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for another round, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To revive that cheesy crust, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes for a whole casserole, less for individual servings). You can also microwave slices for a quick fix; just cover to avoid drying out, and maybe sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top because, why not?

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or another grain instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Cooked brown rice, quinoa, or even farro are all fantastic alternatives that bring a bit more nuttiness and texture. Just ensure your substitute is already cooked before adding it to the casserole for the best results.

What other vegetables could I add in?

Flexibility is the name of the game! Try mixing in chopped bell peppers, spinach, corn, or even jalapeños for some extra zest. You can customize this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole to suit what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

Certainly—swap in ground turkey or chicken, use light sour cream, and go for a reduced-fat cheddar if you’re looking to make it a bit lighter. Even with these tweaks, the casserole remains creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare everything up through Step 5, then cover and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure everything is heated through and nicely melty.

How can I prevent the casserole from getting too dry?

Be sure to measure your liquids (the soup, sour cream, and milk), and don’t overbake—just until the cheese on top is golden. If reheating leftovers, adding a splash of milk before covering and warming in the oven is a great way to keep things supple.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about digging into a bubbly, golden Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole fresh from the oven. Whether it’s for a comforting family meal or warming up a chilly weeknight, this dish promises both ease and big flavor. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes a new tradition on your table!

Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this comforting Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for a hearty and satisfying meal. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 cups cooked white rice
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the beef and onion: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika, then set aside to cool slightly.
Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mix cooked rice, beef mixture, soup, sour cream, vegetables, 1 cup of cheddar, and milk.
Bake: Transfer mixture to the baking dish, top with remaining cheddar, and bake for 25–30 minutes.
Serve: Let cool before serving.