Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, casseroles reign supreme. They’re simple, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd. One casserole dish that never fails to please is a Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. The combination of savory ground beef, tender rice, and a crispy, gooey cheddar cheese crust makes this dish irresistible. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s both hearty and satisfying, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights or even family gatherings.
Introduction
Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food. They bring together a variety of ingredients that meld together beautifully in the oven, creating a dish that is both flavorful and filling. The Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole recipe is no exception. It combines savory ground beef, aromatic seasonings, tender rice, and a crispy cheddar cheese topping. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and can easily be customized with different ingredients depending on your preferences.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility. The flavors are familiar yet comforting, and the textures provide a delightful contrast between the creamy filling and the crispy cheese crust. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, potluck, or meal prep for the week, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down the process of making this Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole step by step.
Cooking the Ground Beef:
- Brown the Ground Beef: Begin by heating a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Continue to cook the beef until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the beef to ensure the casserole isn’t too greasy.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent. This will infuse the beef with the aromatic flavors of the onion and garlic.
- Season the Meat: Season the beef and onion mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme (if using), and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the seasonings to meld together.
Preparing the Rice and Sauce:
- Cook the Rice: While the beef is cooking, prepare the rice. If you’re using white rice, rinse it thoroughly under cold water. In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of beef broth (or chicken broth) to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, stir, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. If you’re using brown rice, it may take about 25-30 minutes to cook, so adjust accordingly.
- Combine Beef and Rice: Once the rice is cooked, add it to the beef mixture. Stir everything together to combine. Add the frozen peas (or other vegetables of your choice), and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, just until the peas are heated through. At this point, the casserole mixture should be a nice blend of savory ground beef, rice, and vegetables.
Assembling the Casserole:
- Transfer to a Casserole Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter. Transfer the beef, rice, and vegetable mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add the Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef and rice mixture, making sure it’s spread out evenly. This will melt into the casserole as it bakes, creating a cheesy layer in the middle.
Preparing the Cheddar Crust:
- Make the Crust: In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), melted butter, and breadcrumbs (if using). Stir until the mixture is well combined. This will create a cheesy, crispy topping that will form a golden crust as the casserole bakes.
- Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the cheddar crust mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and form a crunchy, golden layer on top of the casserole.
Baking the Casserole:
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown and crispy. If you prefer an extra crispy crust, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes, but be sure to watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
- Let it Rest: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set and make it easier to cut into portions.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a filling meal on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides to create a more complete dinner. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole. Try a simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy touch to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and can help scoop up any leftover cheesy goodness from the casserole.
Variations and Customizations
While the classic version of this casserole is a hit, you can customize it to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations to try:
- Add More Veggies: If you want to add more vegetables, you can stir in some diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms when you sauté the onions and garlic. This adds flavor and nutrients to the casserole.
- Spicy Version: For a bit of heat, try adding a teaspoon of chili powder or a few diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the casserole. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Use Brown Rice: For a healthier option, swap out the white rice for brown rice. It adds a bit more texture and fiber to the casserole.
- Vegetarian Version: For a meatless version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a variety of sautéed vegetables like eggplant and spinach.
Tips for Success
- Use the Right Rice: White rice works best for this casserole, as it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the beef and broth. If you’re using brown rice, make sure to account for the extra cooking time.
- Brown the Beef Well: Browning the beef thoroughly adds depth of flavor to the casserole. Don’t rush this step!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing the beef and vegetables, don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure everything browns evenly.
- Let the Casserole Rest: After baking, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and makes for easier cutting.
Conclusion
Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of savory ground beef, tender rice, and a cheesy, crispy crust makes for a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, the recipe is customizable, so you can make it your own with different vegetables, seasonings, and protein options. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the variations, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, casseroles reign supreme. They’re simple, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd. One casserole dish that never fails to please is a Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. The combination of savory ground beef, tender rice, and a crispy, gooey cheddar cheese crust makes this dish irresistible. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s both hearty and satisfying, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights or even family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for creaminess)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed crackers (like Ritz or saltines, optional for topping)
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the casserole dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook the ground beef:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. - Prepare the rice mixture:
Add the uncooked rice to the beef and onion mixture, stirring to combine. Pour in the beef broth (or water) and cream of mushroom soup, and stir everything together. If using frozen peas, add them now as well.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and cook for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 more minutes, allowing the rice to absorb some of the liquid. - Transfer to the casserole dish:
Once the rice mixture has absorbed some of the liquid, transfer it into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. - Add the cheese:
Top the rice and beef mixture with the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure to cover the entire surface. - Cracker topping (optional):
If desired, sprinkle crushed crackers over the cheese for an extra crunch. You can also add a little melted butter to the cracker topping to enhance the flavor. - Bake:
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.