Description
Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole delivers comfort and flavor in one delicious dish. Midwest home cooks perfected this satisfying meal that fills hungry families with warmth and classic homestyle goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small sweet onion, small diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 ounces (340 grams) frozen mixed vegetables
Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cans cream of celery soup
- 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) beef stock
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) instant rice
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef and diced onions over medium heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles until no pink remains and onions are translucent, approximately 10 minutes.
- Drain excess grease from the beef mixture, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Incorporate cream of celery soup, beef stock, and all seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper) into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly.
- Fold in instant rice and frozen mixed vegetables, ensuring even distribution of ingredients throughout the skillet.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Generously sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the dish with nonstick foil and bake for 45 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and cheese is completely melted.
- Remove foil and briefly broil for 2-3 minutes to create a golden, crispy cheese topping.
- Garnish with fresh or dried parsley if desired, then serve hot directly from the baking dish.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease and create a healthier casserole.
- For a gluten-free version, swap cream of celery soup with homemade white sauce or gluten-free cream soup alternative.
- Consider using brown rice instead of instant rice for added nutritional value and a slightly nuttier flavor profile.
- Customize vegetable mix based on personal preference or seasonal availability, keeping frozen vegetable quantity consistent.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 48 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 482
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 930 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg