Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole: A Comforting, Cheesy Delight

If you’re looking for a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare, this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect choice. Packed with savory ground beef, fluffy rice, tangy tomato sauce, and a golden, cheesy crust, this dish is a family favorite that’s both budget-friendly and incredibly delicious. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep option, or a crowd-pleasing casserole, this recipe will hit the spot.

Introduction

There’s something special about a warm, cheesy casserole that brings comfort to the dinner table. This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a classic, easy-to-make dish that combines simple ingredients with bold flavors. It’s the perfect way to use ground beef and rice in a new, exciting way, and the crispy cheddar crust on top takes it to another level.

Not only is this casserole rich and flavorful, but it’s also a great option for meal prep, leftovers, and feeding a hungry family. Plus, with minimal prep time and simple ingredients, it’s a go-to recipe when you need something quick, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make this flavor-packed Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole:

Essential Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 small onion, diced

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup diced bell peppers
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for spice
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor

How to Make Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.

3. Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, rice, sour cream, tomato sauce, and any optional seasonings. Stir everything together until well combined.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface for a crispy, golden crust.

5. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and enjoy this cheesy, comforting meal with your favorite side dishes.

Helpful Tips for the Best Cheddar-Crusted Casserole

Use Lean Ground Beef: This prevents excess grease from making the casserole too heavy. If using fattier beef, be sure to drain it well.
Cook Rice in Broth: For extra flavor, cook the rice in chicken or beef broth instead of water.
Add Vegetables: To boost nutrition, mix in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
Extra Crunchy Crust: For a crispier topping, mix a little panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers into the cheese before baking.
Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce for extra heat.

Cooking Tips

Want to make your Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole even better? Try these pro tips:

Double the Cheese: If you love a super cheesy casserole, mix some cheddar into the beef mixture before baking for extra gooeyness.
Make It Creamier: Stir in a little extra sour cream or a splash of heavy cream for a richer texture.
Customize the Meat: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Top with Crumbled Bacon: For an irresistible smoky taste, sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some delicious side dishes to pair it with:

Garlic Bread: A crispy slice of garlic bread complements the cheesy goodness.
Steamed Vegetables: Serve with broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots for added nutrition.
Side Salad: A fresh Caesar salad or garden salad balances the richness of the casserole.
Mashed Potatoes: Double up on comfort food with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 480mg
Calcium: 15%
Iron: 10%

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm up in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Freeze: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes straight from frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Bake it when ready to serve.

What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but you can also use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Colby Jack for variety.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds extra fiber and nutrients but may require slightly more sauce since it’s drier than white rice.

Can I make this casserole low-carb?
To reduce carbs, replace the rice with cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini.

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Conclusion

This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s easy to make, packed with flavorful ingredients, and perfect for a quick family dinner or meal prep option. Give it a try today, and enjoy a warm, cheesy, and comforting meal that everyone will love! 🍽️🧀