If you’re searching for a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big, cheesy hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of savory ground beef, tender rice, and bright bursts of tomato, all crowned with an irresistibly crunchy cheddar topping. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish strikes the ideal balance between simple everyday ingredients and that special something that makes everyone ask for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Each component plays a crucial role: from the hearty ground beef for savory richness, to the rice that soaks up all those delicious flavors, and the sharp cheddar cheese that creates a golden, crispy crust you won’t be able to resist.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the deep, savory base for the casserole.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional): Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle fruity note.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a fragrant foundation.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional): Gives a pop of color and mild crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings savory depth and aroma.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a smoky warmth that enhances the beef.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds herbal earthiness for balanced flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Elevates all the other tastes.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and complexity.
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice: Acts as the hearty, filling grain base.
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth): Infuses savory moisture for tender rice.
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice): Adds brightness and slight acidity.
- 1 cup frozen corn or peas (optional): Gives sweetness and textural contrast.
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Creates the signature crisp, cheesy crust.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Ensures a crunchy topping that’s perfectly golden.
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients and adds richness.
How to Make Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Dish
Get things started by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and giving a 9×13-inch casserole dish a light greasing. Having your oven ready ensures a smooth flow and well-cooked casserole at the end.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add your ground beef. Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. If your pan seems dry, a touch of olive oil will do wonders to keep the beef from sticking. Next, toss in diced onion, optional red bell pepper, and garlic. Let everything soften together for 3 to 4 minutes. Finish this step by sprinkling smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper over the mixture, stirring to distribute those vibrant spices evenly.
Step 3: Combine the Rice and Liquids
Stir the uncooked rice into your beef and vegetable mixture. Pour in the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes, including their juices, which add so much moisture and depth. Toss in frozen corn or peas if you’re using them—it’s a great way to sneak in fresh flavor and color. Bring the entire pan gently to a boil, letting all these ingredients mingle before baking.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Carefully transfer this hearty beef and rice mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Cover it tight with foil so the rice steams beautifully while it bakes. Pop it into the oven for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the rice feels tender and all the liquid is nicely soaked up.
Step 5: Create the Cheddar Crust
In a small bowl, combine your shredded sharp cheddar cheese with crunchy panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. This cheesy topping will add an unforgettable golden crust that everyone will love. Once your casserole’s baked, take off the foil and spread this mixture evenly over the top.
Step 6: Final Bake and Serve
Return the casserole to the oven uncovered for another 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for that bubbling, melty cheese with a crispy, golden-brown crust. When it looks just right, pull it out and let it rest for about 5 minutes—this step really helps the layers settle and makes serving a breeze.
How to Serve Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a cheerful pop of color and a fresh bite that beautifully balances the rich, cheesy casserole. If you like a bit of heat, a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can also elevate each forkful.
Side Dishes
This dish stands robustly on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables enhances the meal’s overall texture and freshness. Something light like a lemon-dressed arugula salad or steamed green beans complements the cheesy, savory casserole perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing touch, serve the casserole in small, individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. You can also layer in extra veggies or switch up the cheddar with a smoked gouda or pepper jack for a delightful twist on this beloved recipe. It’s a versatile base that welcomes your favorite flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. The Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners after a busy day.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Just be sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When properly stored, it maintains its delicious flavor and texture for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat single servings in the microwave until warmed through, or place the whole casserole in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated evenly and the cheese topping is bubbly once again, usually about 20 to 25 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but since it takes longer to cook, you might need to add a bit more broth or increase the baking time to ensure the rice becomes tender.
Is this casserole freezer friendly?
Yes, the Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing, and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based meat substitutes or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavors will still be hearty and satisfying.
What should I do if my casserole is too dry after baking?
If the casserole ends up dry, try adding a splash of broth or a bit of tomato sauce before reheating. Covering it with foil while warming will also help retain moisture.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Yes, you can mix in a variety of veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Just chop them finely and cook them with the onions and peppers to make sure they soften nicely.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe — it’s like a warm embrace after a long day. Rich, cheesy, and comforting, this dish brings simplicity and flavor together in one hearty meal that everyone will adore. Don’t hesitate to try it soon; I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to dinners before you know it!
Print
Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole that combines flavorful browned ground beef, tender rice cooked in savory broth with vegetables, and a deliciously crispy cheddar and breadcrumb topping baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for cooking beef)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 cup frozen corn or peas (optional)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. If the skillet is dry, add olive oil to prevent sticking. Stir in diced onion, optional diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic, cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Season the mixture with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper for depth of flavor.
- Combine Casserole Ingredients: Stir the uncooked rice into the ground beef mixture evenly. Pour in the beef broth, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, and optional frozen corn or peas. Bring the mixture gently to a boil, allowing the flavors to begin melding and the rice to start cooking.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the entire beef and rice mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in and prevent drying out during baking.
- Bake the Rice Mixture: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed fully.
- Add the Cheddar Crust: In a small bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter until well mixed. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the baked casserole to form a crunchy, cheesy crust.
- Bake and Serve: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice; just increase the initial baking time to ensure the rice cooks through.
- Optional vegetables like red bell pepper and frozen peas or corn add extra nutrients and color but can be omitted.
- Using beef broth instead of water enhances the flavor of the rice and beef mixture.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it firm up for easier slicing and serving.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños when cooking the beef.
