Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole


This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory ground beef and fluffy rice. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s easy to make, hearty enough to feed a crowd, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With its gooey cheese topping and flavorful ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe in your household. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Casserole:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
  • 1 medium onion , diced
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for variety)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese , divided (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 cup cooked white or brown rice (instant rice works too)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper , to taste
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc., optional but adds nutrition)

For Topping:

  • 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to season the beef mixture.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, cooked rice, and frozen vegetables (if using). Mix well until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 5: Add the Cracker Topping

  1. In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  2. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the cheese layer.

 

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