Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Creamy Beef and Rice Casserole
This cozy, family-friendly casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and simple to put together. With tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s a delicious dinner option perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Ground beef | 1 lb |
Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
Salt | 1 tsp |
Black pepper | ½ tsp |
Paprika | 1 tsp |
Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
Sour cream | 1 cup |
Milk | ½ cup |
Cooked white rice | 1½ cups |
Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
Frozen peas (optional) | ½ cup |
Fresh parsley, chopped | 1 tbsp (optional) |
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Drain off any excess fat.
- Mix Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, cooked rice, and the cooked beef mixture. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and the frozen peas if using.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly with a golden cheese topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Top with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, if desired.