Have you ever craved a dish that brings the entire family together around the dinner table? Picture this: a bubbling, cheesy casserole filled with savory ground beef and fluffy rice, enticing everyone with its rich aroma. This Cheddar Ground Beef and Rice Casserole not only delights your taste buds but also warms your heart, making it the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Comfort Food at Its Best: The combination of tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheddar cheese creates a harmony of flavors that will make anyone feel at home. It’s the ideal dish for cold nights or when you’re just craving something hearty.
Leftovers Make Great Meals: One of the best parts about this Cheddar Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is that it keeps well in the fridge. Enjoy leftover servings throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option while still providing rich flavor.
- Long-Grain White Rice: Opt for long-grain rice as it cooks evenly and maintains its texture during baking.
- Cheddar Cheese: Grate fresh cheddar cheese to enhance the flavor; sharp cheddar works wonderfully here.
- Onion: Finely chop an onion to add sweetness and depth to your dish.
- Garlic Powder: This seasoning adds an aromatic touch; feel free to use fresh garlic if desired.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Choose tomatoes with green chilies for an extra kick in flavor.
For the Toppings:
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs create a crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole underneath.
How to Make Cheddar Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly with cooking spray.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with chopped onions. Cook until browned, breaking up any clumps into smaller pieces; this takes about 5-7 minutes.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in long-grain white rice, canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of your grated cheddar cheese into the skillet. Mix everything until well combined.
Transfer Mixture to Baking Dish: Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish evenly. Spread it out so it cooks uniformly.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven, uncover, then sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top followed by panko breadcrumbs. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
Serve Hot: Remove from oven when bubbly and golden on top. Allow cooling slightly before serving to let flavors meld together beautifully.
Customize Your Spice Level: Feel free to add spices like chili powder or cumin if you enjoy more heat or complexity in flavors within your casserole.
Layering Cheese Wisely: Layer half of your cheese within the mixture before baking; this ensures gooeyness throughout rather than just on top.
Baking Dish Size Matters: Using too small or too large of a baking dish can affect cooking time; stick with standard sizes like an 8×8 or similar pan for best results.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, try adding a side of baked potatoes or sweet potatoes. Their earthy sweetness will enhance the savory notes of the Cheddar Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Bake them at 400°F for about 45 minutes, allowing them to become perfectly tender as they roast alongside the main dish.
FAQs
What can I substitute for ground beef in this casserole?
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef in this Cheddar Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Both options provide a lighter alternative while still retaining flavor and texture.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this Cheddar Ground Beef and Rice Casserole ahead of time by assembling all ingredients in the baking dish but not baking it yet.
How do I store leftovers effectively?
Store leftover Cheddar Ground Beef and Rice Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas to enhance the nutritional value and flavor profile. Just ensure they are diced small enough so they cook evenly with the rice during baking.
Cheddar Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Cheddar Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect family-friendly dish that combines comfort and convenience in every bite. This hearty casserole features tender ground beef, fluffy long-grain rice, and gooey cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection for a delightful meal. Ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings, this dish comes together quickly and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices. Each forkful delivers a satisfying crunch from the crispy panko topping, accompanied by rich flavors that will warm your heart and home. With leftovers that reheat beautifully, this casserole is not only tasty but also practical—making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to return to time and again.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Panko breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onions until cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread evenly.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil, add remaining cheese and panko breadcrumbs on top, then bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
