Cheesy Ground Beef Rice (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Beef Mixture
01 -
450g ground beef (lean or regular)
02 -
1 small onion, finely chopped
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 teaspoon salt
05 -
½ teaspoon black pepper
06 -
½ teaspoon paprika
07 -
½ teaspoon dried oregano
08 -
½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
→ Rice and Sauce
09 -
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice as variation)
10 -
2 cups beef broth (or water with beef bouillon)
11 -
10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
12 -
10.5 oz condensed cream of cheddar soup (or substitute with cream of chicken)
13 -
1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer taste)
14 -
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
15 -
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
→ Topping
16 -
½ cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
17 -
1 tablespoon melted butter (if using crackers/breadcrumbs)
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef for 5–7 minutes until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes until soft. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and optional chili powder. Drain excess fat if necessary and set aside.
03 -
Combine the uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom and cheddar soups, and milk in a large mixing bowl. Stir until well blended, then add the cooked beef mixture and mix thoroughly.
04 -
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
05 -
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45 minutes until the rice is tender and flavors are well combined.
06 -
Remove the foil and check rice doneness. If needed, cover and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes. Once ready, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top. For a crispy texture, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter, sprinkle over the casserole, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until the topping is golden and the cheese bubbly.
07 -
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving warm.