Can I make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can prepare the casserole mixture, transfer it to the baking dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, bake it as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes if it is coming straight from the refrigerator.

Can I freeze Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?

This casserole freezes very well. Allow the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole to cool completely, then store it in an airtight freezer-safe container or wrap the baking dish tightly with foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

What type of rice works best for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?

Long grain white rice works best for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole because it cooks evenly and stays fluffy. Avoid instant rice, as it can become too soft during baking. If you prefer brown rice, you may need to increase the cooking time and liquid slightly.

How do I keep my Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole from becoming dry?

To keep Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole creamy and moist, make sure the rice cooks properly in the broth before baking. Covering the casserole with foil while it bakes also helps retain moisture. Using ingredients like sour cream, milk, and cream of mushroom soup ensures the casserole stays rich and creamy.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole – Easy Family Recipe

Name: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 85% lean; 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 3/4 cup diced onion; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 2 1/2 cups beef broth; 1 1/4 cups uncooked long grain white rice; 8 oz (225 g) sliced button mushrooms; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Description

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty comfort food dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender long-grain rice, mushrooms, creamy soup, sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese baked together into a rich and satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 85% lean
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons butter, divided
3/4 cup diced onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 1/2 cups beef broth
1 1/4 cups uncooked long grain white rice
8 oz (225 g) sliced button mushrooms
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef while breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Once the beef is fully browned, drain excess grease and transfer the meat to a plate. Cover loosely with foil and set aside.
In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the uncooked rice.
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover tightly, and cook for about 10 minutes without stirring.
Add the sliced mushrooms, cover again, and cook for another 5–10 minutes until the rice is tender.
Turn off the heat and let the pot sit covered for 10 minutes so the rice finishes cooking and releases from the bottom.
Stir in the cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes, then serve warm.

Notes

Use long grain white rice instead of instant rice for the best texture.
Avoid stirring the rice while it cooks in broth to ensure even steaming.
For extra flavor, allow the ground beef to brown well before removing it from the pan.
You can add vegetables such as peas, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated in the oven.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 27 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg