Description
This comforting Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole is the ultimate weeknight hug in a dish. Tender rice, savory ground beef, and cozy cream of mushroom soup bake together under a blanket of golden, melted cheddar. Everything cooks in one pan and then bakes in the oven for a satisfying, family-friendly meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (long-grain works best)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, for 5–7 minutes, or until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, uncooked white rice, Worcestershire sauce, and frozen mixed vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Bring the mixture just to a simmer, then carefully pour or spoon it into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (90% or higher) if you prefer a lighter casserole with less grease.
- Long-grain white rice works best; avoid instant or quick-cooking rice, which can become mushy.
- Taste the mixture before it goes into the oven and adjust the salt and pepper, since broth and canned soup can differ in saltiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Stovetop + Baking
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 800 mg (approx., varies by broth, soup, and cheese brands)
- Fat: 17 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 8 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g (approx.)
- Carbohydrates: 28 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 2 g (approx.)
- Protein: 20 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 70 mg (approx.)
Keywords: cheesy beef and rice casserole, ground beef casserole, one pan dinner, easy family meal, comfort food