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