Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
A hearty and comforting casserole made with ground beef, rice, creamy cheese, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Juicy and flavorful, it’s the heart of the dish.
- 1 cup instant white rice Quick-cooking and fluffy.
- 1.5 cups beef broth Adds moisture.
- 12 oz frozen mixed veggies Colorful and nutritious.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Creamy and tangy flavor.
Seasonings and Aromatics
- 1 small sweet onion, diced Provides natural sweetness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic for flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds earthy aroma.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Enhances onion flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika Adds sweetness and color.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Herb blend for complexity.
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt Essential for flavor.
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Enhances taste.
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cans cream of celery soup Adds creaminess.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a deep skillet or pot, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes, until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
- Drain excess fat from the mixture.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Remove the skillet from heat and add in the cream of celery soup, beef broth, all the seasonings, instant rice, and frozen vegetables. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil.
Cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes.
- Uncover the dish and broil briefly for 2–4 minutes.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For added freshness, use herbs like parsley or basil. You can customize the vegetables and switch cheeses as desired. For a creamier texture, consider adding sour cream or cream cheese.