Sometimes, you just need a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to throw together. This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole perfectly fits the bill! It’s a one-dish wonder packed with savory ground beef, tender rice, vibrant peas, and a rich tomato sauce, all crowned with a gooey, cheesy topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, making it a true weeknight hero in my kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a casserole that delivers so much flavor with so little fuss? This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a personal favorite for its sheer simplicity and incredible payoff. It’s truly a complete meal in one dish, minimizing cleanup, which is always a win in my book. The combination of seasoned ground beef, the creaminess from the sour cream and cheese, and the satisfying texture of rice and peas creates a symphony of comfort. It’s wonderfully adaptable, incredibly filling, and perfect for those evenings when you need something delicious without a lot of effort.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting casserole:
- 1 C. Cooked rice
- 1 lb. Ground beef
- 1 C. Chicken broth
- 2 Onion chopped
- 1 C. Sour cream
- 2 tsp. Garlic powder
- 2 C. Shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz. Can tomato sauce
- 1 C. Frozen peas
- Salt, pepper, and oregano to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Cooked Rice: Any cooked white or brown rice will work. If you have leftover rice, this is a perfect way to use it up!
- Ground Beef: Feel free to substitute with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version. Adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Onion: Yellow or white onion works best here. For a milder onion flavor, try shallots.
- Shredded Cheese: While cheddar is classic, a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican blend, would also be delicious.
- Frozen Peas: You can swap peas for other frozen vegetables like corn, diced carrots, or a mixed vegetable blend.
- Tomato Sauce: A can of diced tomatoes (drained) or even a can of fire-roasted tomatoes could add a different depth of flavor.
- Herbs: Fresh oregano or a pinch of dried basil would be great additions if you want to expand the herb profile.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious and easy casserole assembled and into the oven!
- Brown Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onions. Sauté, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions have softened and become translucent. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step ensures your casserole isn’t greasy.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the garlic powder, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste into the browned beef and onions. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir in the chicken broth, cooked rice, tomato sauce, and frozen peas into the skillet with the beef mixture. Now, add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese directly into the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Preheat Oven & First Bake: While the mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish or similar size works well). Spread the hot casserole mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Prepare Topping: While the casserole is in its first bake, in a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream and the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This will be your creamy, cheesy topping!
- Add Topping & Final Bake: After the first 15 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven. Carefully spread the sour cream and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the casserole to the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the topping is warm, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Cooked Rice is Key: Ensure your rice is already cooked before starting. This saves a lot of time and ensures the right texture in the final casserole.
- Don’t Skimp on Draining: Draining the fat from the ground beef is important for a lighter, less greasy casserole.
- Low Oven Temp: The initial 250°F (120°C) oven temperature is quite low, perfect for gently warming and melding flavors without drying out the casserole. Ensure your oven is accurately set.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking helps the layers set and makes for cleaner serving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or corn would add more vegetables and color to your plate.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- For other comforting and easy-to-make dinner ideas, you might also enjoy our Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole – it’s another one-pan hit!
Storage and Leftover Tips
This casserole makes excellent leftovers, perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the whole casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- From Refrigerator: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger amounts, cover with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until hot.
- From Freezer: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat covered in a 300°F (150°C) oven until hot and bubbly, or microwave individual portions from thawed.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the hearty and cheesy comfort of this casserole, you’ll definitely want to check out some of our other crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make dishes:
- For another fantastic cheesy main course or appetizer, our These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners are a definite winner.
- If you’re a fan of rich, cheesy dips that disappear in minutes, you absolutely need to try This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
- And for a unique take on a classic, don’t miss How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip – it’s a game-changer for parties!
- If you love the ease of serving a crowd, a Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd Fast!
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a reliable, comforting classic that brings everyone to the table. Its straightforward preparation and universally loved flavors make it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or simply when you’re craving some delicious, wholesome comfort food.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try – I’m sure it will earn a spot in your regular rotation! We love hearing from our readers, so please feel free to share your thoughts and any variations you try in the comments below. And don’t forget to visit Chefmaniac.com for more incredible, easy-to-follow recipes to inspire your next meal! Happy cooking!
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