Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
A comforting and cheesy casserole with ground beef, rice, and a crunchy cheddar crust. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 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