There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a hearty casserole—especially one bubbling with cheesy goodness and packed with satisfying flavors. This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole brings back memories of cozy family dinners and potluck gatherings where everyone went back for seconds.
It’s the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy comfort and savory beef and rice all in one dish. This recipe came about on a chilly evening when I needed something warm and filling, and it has since become a go-to family favorite. It’s delicious, simple to prepare, and oh-so-satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes together in one casserole dish—easy prep and easy cleanup!
- Cheesy and Comforting: The cheddar topping forms a golden, irresistible crust.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable: Add veggies, change the cheese, or use brown rice for a wholesome twist.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assembles beautifully ahead of time for quick weeknight meals.
- Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or casual entertaining.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean and halal)
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
Substitution Tips: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option. Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
2. Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook chopped onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, cooked beef mixture, beef broth, sour cream, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
5. Add the Topping
Remove from oven, uncover, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add breadcrumbs if using for a crunchy finish.
6. Bake Until Golden
Return to oven uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
7. Let it Rest
Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve this casserole hot with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. It’s also fantastic topped with chopped green onions or a dollop of extra sour cream.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Helpful Notes
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: It helps everything firm up and makes serving easier.
- Rice Cooking Tip: Make sure the foil is sealed tightly so the rice cooks properly in the steam.
- Add Veggies: Stir in peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce to the mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it will need a longer cooking time and possibly extra broth. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve. - Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it freezes well either baked or unbaked. Thaw before reheating. - Why is my rice still hard?
It may need more liquid or a longer bake time. Make sure to cover tightly with foil. - Can I skip the breadcrumbs?
Absolutely—they're optional. The cheese crust alone is delicious!
Final Thoughts
Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is everything you want in a comfort dish: warm, hearty, cheesy, and filling. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or bringing to a get-together. With its rich flavor and easy preparation, it's sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation.
Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how you made it your own—share your favorite mix-ins or toppings!
Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef preferably lean and halal
- 1 cup white rice uncooked
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
- ½ cup breadcrumbs optional, for extra crunch
- Substitution Tips: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option. Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Brown the Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook chopped onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Mix the Base
- In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, cooked beef mixture, beef broth, sour cream, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Add the Topping
- Remove from oven, uncover, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add breadcrumbs if using for a crunchy finish.
Bake Until Golden
- Return to oven uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
Let it Rest
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: It helps everything firm up and makes serving easier.
- Rice Cooking Tip: Make sure the foil is sealed tightly so the rice cooks properly in the steam.
- Add Veggies: Stir in peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce to the mix.
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