There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole that combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a golden cheddar crust. This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is the ultimate one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without much effort. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. It’s perfect for lazy nights or potluck gatherings.
Hearty & Filling: The combination of ground beef, creamy rice, and gooey cheese ensures every bite is packed with flavor and satisfaction.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, spices, or toppings to make each casserole unique. Whether you’re a meat lover or veggie enthusiast, there’s room for everyone!
Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples like ground beef, rice, and cheese, this casserole won’t break the bank but still feels special.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at family dinners or potlucks. The gooey cheddar topping and savory filling are irresistible to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef provides a hearty base for the casserole. Brown it until crispy for added texture.
Rice: Use cooked white or brown rice as the foundation of the dish. Instant rice works well if you’re short on time.
Onions & Bell Peppers: Finely chopped onions and diced bell peppers add sweetness and crunch to balance out the richness of the beef.
Seasonings: Taco seasoning or a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika brings bold, zesty flavors to life.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar forms a golden, bubbly crust that ties everything together. For extra indulgence, layer some inside the casserole too!
Sour Cream (Optional): Adds creaminess and tanginess to the filling. Substitute with Greek yogurt if preferred.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish for easy release.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning according to package instructions. Set aside.
Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed onions and bell peppers, sour cream (if using), and a splash of milk or chicken broth. Mix until evenly combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the rice mixture in the prepared baking dish, followed by the seasoned ground beef. Top with the remaining rice mixture, spreading it evenly.
Add the Cheese Crust: Sprinkle shredded cheddar generously over the top of the casserole for a decadent, golden crust. Press the cheese lightly into the surface for even melting.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 400
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
How to Serve Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
This casserole pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Cornbread: Serve with warm cornbread or biscuits to soak up any leftover juices.
Side Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add color and nutrients to the plate.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this casserole is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flair.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Simply bake when ready for optimal freshness.
Freeze for Later: Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Add Veggies: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or diced tomatoes for added nutrition and variety.
Spice It Up: If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hot sauce in the filling for an extra kick.
Use Leftovers: Repurpose leftovers into tacos, burritos, or wraps for a quick lunch the next day.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use turkey instead of beef? Yes! Ground turkey works beautifully as a leaner alternative. Season it with taco seasoning or fajita spices for authentic flavor.
2. What type of cheese should I use? Shredded cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend also works perfectly for melting into gooey perfection.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving.
4. How do I store leftover casserole? Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk to restore moisture.
5. Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
6. Can I double the recipe? Definitely. Doubling the recipe is simple and ensures you have plenty for leftovers or feeding a crowd.
7. Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet? Not as written, but you can replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
8. Can I skip the cheese crust? While the cheese adds a delicious touch, you can omit it or reduce the amount for a lighter version.
9. Do I need to use sour cream? Sour cream enhances creaminess, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or omit it entirely. Adjust seasonings accordingly.
10. Can I add vegetables to the casserole? Yes! Diced bell peppers, onions, spinach, or zucchini would all pair beautifully with the beef and rice filling.
Conclusion
There you have it a delicious and satisfying Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef & Rice Casserole that’s sure to become a go-to meal in your kitchen. With its perfect blend of savory beef, creamy rice, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish that satisfies both your cravings and creativity. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and let’s cook something amazing together! Your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and cheesy casserole with ground beef, rice, and a crunchy cheddar crust. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the garlic powder and tomato sauce, then stir in the cooked rice and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese.
- Add Vegetables: Bell peppers, peas, or corn can be added for extra nutrition.
- Lean Meat: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Rice Options: Brown rice can replace white rice for a healthier alternative.
- Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate before baking, adding extra minutes to the bake time if needed.
- Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Leftovers: Keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheats well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg