This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for a family dinner. It features savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a generous topping of melted cheddar cheese. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, this casserole is a comforting classic.
ngredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation:
1: Prepare the Beef and Rice Mixture
- Preheat 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 well to combine.
2: Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the beef and rice mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
3: Bake and Serve
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Cooking Notes:
- For a richer flavor, use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- You can prepare the beef and rice mixture ahead of time and assemble the casserole just before baking.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- This casserole is also great for leftovers.
Tips for the Best Casserole:
- Don’t overcook the ground beef, as it can become dry.
- Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed for optimal melting.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – approximate): (This would require specific serving sizes to calculate accurately)
FAQs:
- Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
- A: Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend.
- Q: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
- A: Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, corn, or peas would be great additions.
- Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
- A: Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion:
This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable to your liking, and always a hit with the whole family. Enjoy this warm and satisfying meal!
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Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: (This depends on the serving size. You'd need to specify how many people it serves to be accurate. A common guess would be 6-8 servings.)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Start by preheating 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. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet. Next, add in the garlic powder and tomato sauce, then stir in the cooked rice and sour cream. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir everything well until all ingredients are nicely combined. Pour this delicious mix into a greased baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Pop it in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Once done, take it out and give it a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving it hot. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: ~400-500
- Sodium: ~500-800mg
- Fat: ~20-30g
Keywords: Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Beef and Rice, Casserole Recipes, Comfort Food, Cheesy Casserole, Family Dinner, Easy Dinner