Cozy Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Hearty comfort meets culinary creativity in this mouthwatering cheddar-crusted ground beef and rice casserole that promises to revolutionize weeknight dinners.

Melted cheese blankets a robust layer of seasoned meat and fluffy rice, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

The golden-brown crust hints at the deliciousness waiting beneath its crispy exterior.

Generous portions of sharp cheddar infuse each bite with rich, tangy goodness that makes you crave more.

Every forkful delivers a satisfying combination of protein and grains that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Quick to assemble and even faster to disappear from the plate, this casserole transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular.

You will want to save this recipe for those evenings when only serious comfort food will do.

Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for Dinners

• Simplify your weeknight cooking with this ground beef and rice casserole that requires minimal dishes and prep work, making cleanup a breeze.
• Whip up a hearty, satisfying meal in under an hour that appeals to both kids and adults, packed with protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness.
• Transform affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and cheddar cheese into a delicious dinner that stretches your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.
• Easily customize the casserole by swapping vegetables, trying different cheese blends, or adding your favorite seasonings to suit your family's taste preferences.

Ingredients to Build a Cheddar-Crusted Beef and Rice Bake

• Ground Beef: Rich meaty base for the casserole, provides hearty texture and protein.
• Beef Broth: Adds deep flavor and helps cook rice, choose low-sodium for better control.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty topping, creates golden crunchy crust, select sharp variety for intense flavor.
• Butter: Helps bind breadcrumb topping, adds richness.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: Classic flavor base, adds depth and aromatic notes, fresh ingredients recommended.
• Frozen Vegetables: Quick nutrition boost, convenient option with mixed vegetables.

• Uncooked Rice: Core of casserole, absorbs flavors, long-grain white rice works best.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy texture for topping, lighter and crunchier than traditional breadcrumbs.

• Smoked Paprika, Oregano: Adds warm smoky undertones, enhances overall dish complexity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, adjust to personal taste.

• Canned Tomatoes: Provides moisture and tangy base, choose no-salt-added for sodium control.

• Olive Oil: Prevents sticking, optional for cooking beef.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps retain moisture during initial baking.

How to Make Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with Cheesy Topping

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook ground beef until it’s nicely crumbled and browned.

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers
• Minced garlic

• Smoked paprika
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook until vegetables soften and become fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Base Mixture

Stir uncooked rice into the beef mixture.

• Beef broth
• Canned tomatoes
• Frozen mixed vegetables

Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the beef and rice mixture to the greased baking dish.

Cover tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Build the Cheesy Topping

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Melted butter

Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 6: Final Bake and Serve

Uncover the dish and return to the oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and topping turns golden brown.

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious comfort meal!

Cooking Tips for Crunchy Cheddar Crust and Creamy Filling

• Optimize Beef Browning: Drain excess fat after cooking ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Select Cheese Wisely: Choose sharp cheddar for a more intense, robust taste that elevates the entire dish's richness and depth.
• Rice Cooking Hack: Rinse uncooked rice before adding to remove excess starch, which helps prevent a sticky or clumpy texture in the final casserole.
• Vegetable Flexibility: Swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal produce or customize with your favorite vegetable medley to keep the recipe exciting and adaptable.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the delicious flavor and satisfying texture of the original recipe.

How to Store and Serve Cheddar Beef Casserole Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for added flavor.
• For quick reheating, place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Meals and Salads That Pair with This Rice Casserole

• Create a zesty side salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheesy beef casserole.
• Select a cold, light lager or pilsner that balances the hearty flavors and refreshes the palate between bites of the robust casserole.
• Add quick-pickled vegetables like cucumber or red onion on the side to provide a sharp, acidic contrast to the creamy and meaty main dish.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the casserole to introduce a bright, clean flavor that lifts the entire meal's profile.

Recipe Twists for Your Ground Beef and Cheddar Casserole

• Vegetarian Rice Skillet: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Dish: Swap panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the meal.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to create a lower-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the casserole's core texture and taste intact.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap smoked paprika for chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired rendition of the original recipe.

Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary delight in this hearty Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, blending rich flavors and satisfying textures. Melted cheese, savory beef, and fluffy rice create a perfect meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen corn or peas (optional)

Grains, Liquids, and Seasonings:

• 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 375°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease layer to prevent sticking.
2. Position a large skillet over medium-high heat and introduce ground beef, methodically fragmenting the meat while cooking until it achieves a rich brown coloration.
3. Incorporate aromatic vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and garlic into the sizzling meat, allowing them to soften and release their essential flavors for approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Season the meat mixture with a harmonious blend of smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
5. Introduce uncooked rice directly into the seasoned meat combination, creating a textural foundation for the casserole.
6. Pour beef broth, canned tomatoes with their natural juices, and frozen vegetable medley into the skillet, gently bringing the entire mixture to a subtle rolling boil.
7. Carefully transfer the robust meat and rice ensemble into the prepared baking dish, sealing it completely with aluminum foil to preserve moisture during the initial cooking phase.
8. Slide the covered casserole into the preheated oven and allow it to bake for 30-35 minutes, ensuring the rice becomes perfectly tender and absorbs all surrounding liquids.
9. While the casserole bakes, craft a crispy topping by combining shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter in a separate mixing bowl.
10. Remove the casserole, unveil the foil, and generously distribute the cheese mixture across the surface in an even layer.
11. Return the dish to the oven without covering, and bake an additional 10-12 minutes until the topping transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
12. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, permitting the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce extra fat and create a healthier dish without compromising flavor.
• Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that maintains the casserole’s delicious texture.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack or pepper jack to customize the flavor profile and add excitement.
• Prep vegetables ahead of time to streamline cooking process and make weeknight meal preparation faster and more efficient.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg