Looking for a cozy, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and topped with a golden, cheesy crunch? 😋 This Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is an easy all-in-one dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds! 🏡❤️ It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you just want something warm and delicious straight out of the oven! 🔥
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked white rice (or 2 cups cooked)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup beef broth (or water)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (for crust)
2 tbsp melted butter
Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion and garlic until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked rice (if using), and seasonings. Let simmer for about 5 minutes to combine flavors.
Mix in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup cheddar with crushed crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle over the top for a crispy, cheesy crust.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes (or 40 minutes if using uncooked rice).
Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.
📝 Note:
You can easily customize this casserole! Add in frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra veggies 🌽🫑, or swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option 🦃. Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce! 🔥
