Cozy Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this cheddar-crusted ground beef & rice casserole that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Melted cheese creates a golden, crispy top layer that seals in rich, savory flavors.

Hearty ingredients blend perfectly to create a satisfying meal anyone can master.

Home cooks appreciate how simple yet delicious this dish becomes with minimal preparation.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of tender meat, fluffy rice, and sharp cheese notes.

Layers of texture and warmth combine in a casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

You’ll want to dive right into this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Cheddar-Crusted Beef & Rice Casserole Highlights

• Savor Family-Friendly Comfort: A hearty casserole that brings everyone together with its warm, cheesy goodness and simple ingredients kids and adults both love.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Quickly combine ground beef, rice, and cheese for a satisfying meal that requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum taste.
• Budget-Friendly Dinner Solution: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and common pantry staples to create a filling and delicious meal without breaking the bank.
• One-Dish Wonder: Streamlines dinner preparation by combining protein, grains, and cheese in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and making mealtime stress-free.

Ingredients for Cheddar-Crusted Beef & Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this comforting casserole.
• Rice: A fluffy and filling staple that adds substance to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that creates a golden, crispy topping.

• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the ground beef mixture.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic flavor throughout the casserole.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Tomato Sauce, Sour Cream: Create a rich and creamy base that holds the casserole together.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright, green garnish to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Cheddar-Crusted Beef & Rice Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onions, cooking until the beef turns a rich brown color and the onions become translucent.

Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. Once done, carefully drain away any excess grease to keep the dish light and not too oily.

• Ground beef
• Diced onions

Step 2: Mix in Flavor Boosters

Sprinkle garlic powder into the beef mixture, stirring to distribute evenly. Pour in tomato sauce and fold in cooked rice and sour cream.

Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper. Stir everything until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and create a creamy, cohesive mixture.

• Garlic powder
• Tomato sauce
• Cooked rice
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the beef and rice mixture into a lightly greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Generously cover the top with a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese, making sure to distribute it across the entire surface.

Step 4: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly topping.

The edges should turn slightly crispy and golden brown.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and become easier to portion.

Tips to Perfect Your Cheddar Beef Casserole

• Remove as much grease as possible from the ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a lighter, more appetizing dish.
• Use brown rice for added nutrition or wild rice blend for extra texture and flavor complexity in the casserole.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create a beautifully golden, crispy top layer.
• Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or dried oregano to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal solution.

Creative Twists on Cheddar Beef & Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternative for a meatless version.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra vegetables.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and chili powder to give the casserole a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free tomato sauce to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Flavor Matches for Cheddar Beef Casserole

A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the rich beef and sharp cheddar, cutting through the casserole’s creamy texture with its tannic structure.

A light, zesty side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the hearty casserole and adds fresh contrast.

Herb-seasoned roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, and zucchini provide a nutritious and colorful accompaniment that enhances the main dish’s savory flavors.

Toasted, buttery garlic bread offers a crunchy texture and aromatic garlic notes that perfectly complement the casserole’s cheesy, meaty profile.

Storing Cheddar Beef & Rice Casserole Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent cheese from burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole and provides similar texture and flavor.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy topping and simple ingredients make this a great meal that most children will enjoy, especially picky eaters who like comfort food.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Consider adding mixed vegetables like peas, diced carrots, or spinach to the beef mixture to boost the nutritional value and add extra color and nutrients.

• Do I need to pre-cook the rice for this recipe?

No, you can use leftover cooked rice or cook rice specifically for this recipe before mixing it into the casserole, ensuring it’s already prepared and cooled.

Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef & Rice Casserole brings comfort straight from midwestern kitchens to dinner tables. Melted cheese, seasoned beef, and fluffy rice blend into a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Grains and Vegetables:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cooked rice
• 1 small onion, diced

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and brown the ground beef with diced onions, ensuring the meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent.
3. Eliminate excess grease from the meat and onion mixture by draining thoroughly.
4. Incorporate garlic powder and tomato sauce into the beef, mixing completely to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Fold in cooked rice and sour cream, gently stirring to create a uniform consistency.
6. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Transfer the combined ingredients to a prepared baking dish, spreading them out smoothly.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface of the casserole, creating an even cheese layer.
9. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
10. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Customize protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for lighter or vegetarian options.
• Enhance nutritional value by mixing in frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach during the beef cooking stage for added color and nutrients.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium tomato sauce and reduced-fat cheese, making the dish more heart-healthy without compromising flavor.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerating, then baking when ready to serve, which helps blend flavors and saves time during busy evenings.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg