Description
Cheddar-crusted ground beef and rice casserole brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables with its hearty layers of seasoned meat and cheesy goodness. Families will savor each bite of this classic one-dish meal that combines simple ingredients into a satisfying culinary experience you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or 80/20 for juicier flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar for the best flavor)
Starch and Vegetables:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or even cauliflower rice)
- 1 small onion, diced (adds sweetness and depth)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional but highly recommended)
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1/2 cup sour cream (adds richness and creaminess)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (for a subtle tangy base)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (deepens the beefy flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds warmth and depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sauteing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbles while cooking until completely browned. Drain any excess fat from the meat.
- Season the beef mixture with tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors, then remove from heat.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Fold in the seasoned beef mixture until thoroughly incorporated.
- Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent coverage.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a complete cheese layer.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a vibrant finish before serving.
Notes
- Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure a crispy cheese topping.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty flavor.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack for varied taste profiles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg