Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Looking for a no-fail comfort food recipe your family will actually get excited about? This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is your answer! It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and best of all—it’s made with pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or prepping meals ahead, this easy ground beef casserole is always a win. If there’s one recipe that screams weeknight comfort food in my kitchen, it’s this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. It’s a classic dish that reminds me of growing up in a busy household, where dinner had to be quick, filling, and use whatever was in the pantry. My mom had her go-to casseroles, and this beef and rice bake was one of them — bubbling with melted cheese and rich with creamy flavor. Over the years, I’ve adapted that childhood favorite into this version that’s now a regular in my meal rotation. It uses basic ingredients—ground beef, rice, and cheddar cheese—but the flavors are bold, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s a lifesaver when I don’t feel like making a big mess or spending hours in the kitchen. This hearty dish combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce for a one-dish dinner that hits all the right notes. It’s quick to make, feeds a crowd, and keeps beautifully for leftovers.

Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked white rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk or beef broth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Assemble: In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix well to combine.
Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Finish baking: Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

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