If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy to whip up as it is to devour, look no further than Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. This recipe brings together juicy ground beef, creamy rice, and a golden cheddar crust for a cozy, family-friendly dinner that never disappoints. It’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table and simple enough for even your busiest weeknights. With every cheesy, savory bite, you’ll see why this casserole is a favorite in so many kitchens!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is refreshingly straightforward, yet every item plays a key role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and irresistible color. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each is so important:
- Ground beef (1 pound, 85% lean): The star of the casserole, adding rich, meaty flavor and heartiness.
- Small onion (diced): Brings sweetness and depth, melding beautifully with the beef.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a subtle aromatic kick and warmth to every bite.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning all the layers and bringing the flavors together.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A hint of spice that perks up the whole dish.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): For gentle smokiness and gorgeous color.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses an herby note that makes things extra cozy.
- Cooked white or brown rice (2 cups): Makes the casserole extra filling and soaks up all the flavors.
- Frozen peas and carrots (1 cup, thawed): Pops of color and a touch of sweetness—plus a veggie boost!
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds creamy tang and keeps the casserole delightfully moist.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Helps bind everything and gives the filling a luscious texture.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded, divided): The hero ingredient for that irresistible cheesy crust and gooey filling.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Adds a salty, nutty note to the creamy base.
- Olive oil or butter (1 tablespoon, for greasing): Makes sure nothing sticks and adds a buttery finish.
How to Make Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter. This step ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and helps form that golden, crispy edge everyone fights over.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet set over medium heat, add your ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. Sauté until it’s nicely browned, then drain off any excess fat if needed. This gives you a flavorful, non-greasy base for the casserole.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onion softens and everything smells wonderfully fragrant. This duo builds a foundational flavor you’ll notice in every forkful.
Step 4: Season the Base
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir well to coat the beef and aromatics so every bite is perfectly seasoned. The spices balance out the richness of the meat and cheese.
Step 5: Combine the Filling
Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the cooked rice, thawed peas and carrots, sour cream, milk, 1½ cups of cheddar, and all the Parmesan. Mix gently but thoroughly—this is where all the flavors and textures come together for the signature Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole experience!
Step 6: Assemble and Add the Cheddar Crust
Spoon the filling into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, creating that iconic golden crust that makes this casserole shine.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and the cheddar crust is beautifully melted and golden. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before digging in—this helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Garnishes
Take your Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole to the next level with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving. A dollop of extra sour cream or a little hot sauce on the side is always a crowd-pleaser, adding color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or simple steamed vegetables. Warm, crusty bread is also a classic partner, perfect for soaking up any cheesy, savory sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins for personal servings at a dinner party. Or, use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers—just bake the peppers with the casserole mixture inside and top with extra cheddar for a colorful, veggie-packed presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the dish tightly or transfer portions to an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making leftovers especially tasty!
Freezing
This casserole is a meal-prepper’s dream. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave until hot, or reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 20 to 25 minutes). Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want to restore that signature cheddar crust.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well in this casserole, offering a lighter but still flavorful alternative to beef. Just be sure to season generously, as leaner meats can be a bit milder in taste.
Is it okay to use leftover rice?
Yes, leftover cooked rice is perfect for this recipe. In fact, using day-old rice can make the casserole even sturdier and easier to slice. Just make sure the rice isn’t too dry; a splash of extra milk can help if needed.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in any favorite veggies you have on hand—corn, spinach, bell peppers, or even broccoli florets are all delicious additions. Just chop them small so they blend well into the casserole.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or swap some of the cheddar for pepper jack cheese. You can also stir in diced jalapeños or serve with hot sauce on the side for an extra kick.
Can I prepare Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead. Cover it and refrigerate, then bake as directed when you’re ready. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it goes into the oven cold.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a cozy, family-friendly dinner that’s both easy and utterly crave-worthy, Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is about to become your new go-to. Give it a try this week, and don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than you expected—everyone loves a casserole with a cheesy, golden crust!
Print
Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-dish meal perfect for family dinners. It features seasoned ground beef mixed with rice and vegetables, all topped with a bubbly, golden layer of sharp cheddar cheese, creating a flavorful and satisfying casserole that’s easy to prepare and enjoy.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Dairy and Others
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme, mixing well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the beef mixture.
- Combine with Other Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in the cooked rice, thawed peas and carrots, sour cream, milk, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture is well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the beef and rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to set, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the peas and carrots with any mixed vegetables you prefer, such as corn, green beans, or bell peppers.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or swap out some cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
- This casserole reheats well and can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
