If you’re searching for a comfort food classic that’s hearty, cheesy, and beloved by the whole family, the Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. Packed with savory ground beef, wholesome rice, a medley of tender vegetables, and crowned with a golden, bubbling cheddar crust, this casserole checks all the boxes for a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to throw together on busy weeknights, brings warmth to gatherings, and is always met with empty plates and big smiles. Let’s dive into why this dish is about to earn a top spot on your dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of this dish: every ingredient earns its place, building layers of flavor, texture, and even color. These basics come together to create bold, creamy, irresistible results—no complicated shopping trips required!
- Ground beef: Lean and flavorful, this brings rich, hearty depth and satisfying protein to the casserole.
- Long-grain white rice: Uncooked rice soaks up all the savory juices, giving a fluffy and tender base.
- Beef broth: Intensifies the savory notes and keeps every bite moist—opt for low-sodium if preferred.
- Medium onion, diced: Sautéed onion creates a subtle sweetness and melds the flavors beautifully.
- Garlic cloves, minced: A quick sizzle draws out just enough aromatic kick to complement the beef.
- Frozen peas and carrots: These add pops of sweetness, color, and a little veggie goodness in every scoop.
- Dried thyme: Herbal and woodsy, a dash goes a long way in flavoring the filling.
- Paprika: For a hint of gentle warmth and a subtle smoky hue across the casserole.
- Salt and black pepper: Season simply, tasting as you go—the cheese will add a little extra salty zing.
- Olive oil: For that essential sauté action, giving the onions a golden edge.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The crown jewel—melty, gooey, and irresistibly browned on top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that final touch of nutty, savory complexity to the cheese crust.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Makes cleanup a breeze and ensures zero sticking, even under all that glorious cheese.
How to Make Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F to get the perfect bubbly topping later. While the oven’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This keeps your slices neat and makes cleanup wonderfully easy.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the diced onion and cook until softened—about 4 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, another 30 seconds. This quick base is the secret to mouthwatering, aromatic filling.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to your skillet. Crumble it up as you go and cook until browned all over with no more pink showing. Season the mix with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika—these spices soak right into the beef for unbeatable flavor.
Step 4: Combine Rice, Veggies, and Broth
Stir the uncooked rice straight into your beef mixture, followed by the frozen peas and carrots. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any tasty bits from the pan’s bottom. Gently bring to a simmer, then immediately remove from heat—this jumpstarts the rice before baking.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole Base
Pour everything into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb every bit of that rich, beefy flavor.
Step 6: Add the Cheesy Crust
Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses across the top in an even layer. Return to the oven uncovered for 10–15 minutes, letting the Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe develop that unmistakable golden, bubbly crust.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes out of the oven. This gives the cheese time to set and makes every square easier to slice and serve. Dig in and savor the moment!
How to Serve Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of extra paprika brightens the whole dish and adds a pop of color when serving the Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe. Chopped chives or green onions work wonderfully too, bringing a burst of freshness to contrast the creamy filling.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal on its own, but it absolutely shines next to a crisp green salad or simple steamed green beans. If you want something a little extra, warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any cheesy edges left in the pan.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the casserole family-style straight from the baking dish—nothing says cozy and inviting quite like that. For potlucks or parties, cut into squares and place each on a bed of baby spinach for a charming individual presentation. Or, spoon scoops into shallow bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs to fancy things up in a flash.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe stores like a champ. Simply let it cool, then wrap tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days, making lunch or dinner a breeze all week long.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer superstar. For best results, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap the entire dish (or individual pieces) tightly with both plastic wrap and foil. Label and date, then store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover and bake leftovers at 350°F until heated through—about 20–25 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works well at medium power, but be sure to cover with a microwave-safe lid to keep things moist and melty.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! If you’d like to swap in brown rice for extra fiber and nuttiness, just add 15–20 minutes to the covered baking time, and check if a bit of extra broth or water is needed—the rice takes longer to soften up but the results are deliciously satisfying.
Is the Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free beef broth and double-check your other ingredient labels. This is a great option for feeding guests with dietary needs without sacrificing any flavor or comfort.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
You bet! Assemble the casserole (minus the cheese topping), cover and refrigerate up to a day ahead. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, top with the cheese, and bake as directed for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing main course.
What meats can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground alternatives all work nicely in this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe. You might want to boost the seasonings a tad, as leaner meats absorb flavors differently, but the results are always stellar.
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! This recipe is very forgiving and flexible. Try mixing in some chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or even corn for extra flavor, color, and nutrition—it’s a fantastic way to use up whatever you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
If comfort, flavor, and simplicity are your goals, you truly can’t go wrong with the Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe. From Sunday suppers to quick weeknight dinners, this dish fills your home with warmth and guarantees smiles around the table. Give it a try, and you’ll quickly see why it’s a staple worth coming back to again and again!
Print
Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. Savory ground beef, tender rice, and a cheesy crust come together in this easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Rice and Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Sauté Onion and Beef: In a large skillet, cook onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic, then brown the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the uncooked rice, peas and carrots, and beef broth. Simmer briefly, then transfer to the baking dish.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Uncover, top with cheeses, and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste to the ground beef mixture.
- If using brown rice, adjust baking time accordingly and monitor liquid levels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6 of dish)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
