Name: Healthy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 small onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups cooked white rice; 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk or beef broth; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper (to taste); Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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A warm, cheesy scent fills the kitchen as the broth simmers, mingling with the richness of ground beef and the unmistakable allure of melted cheese. Each bite of this Healthy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a hug for your taste buds, comforting and satisfying, perfect for those bustling weeknights when you crave something hearty without the fuss. Imagine serving this delightful casserole straight from the oven, the golden cheese bubbling enticingly and the creamy sauce effortlessly guiding your fork through tender bites of juicy beef and fluffy rice.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Healthy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Healthy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Healthy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

This dish brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone gathered around the table, laughter echoing with the promise of a delicious meal. I can still taste the cheesy goodness that warmed our hearts while we shared stories over a steaming plate of casserole. It’s a meal that’s not only pleasing to the palate but straight from the heart, especially with the cool evenings of fall settling in. With all its creamy, cheesy richness, I’m excited for you to make this Healthy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole and create some memories of your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: A flavorful combination of seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish comes together beautifully, leaving everyone eager for their first bite.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for dinner, potlucks, or even comforting leftovers for lunch.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust with whole grain or cauliflower rice for a health boost!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb lean ground beef: Using lean beef keeps this casserole lower in fat while still delivering a robust flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken works well too!
1 small onion (diced): Fresh onion adds a subtle sweetness that balances the robust flavors of the dish. Yellow or white onion is preferable, but red can work too if you’d like a bit of color.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic brings in that aromatic kick—use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor or substitute with garlic powder in a pinch.
2 cups cooked white rice: Fluffy rice serves as the base that absorbs all the mouthwatering flavors. For a healthier option, swap white rice for brown or even quinoa!
10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup: This creamy soup binds everything together. If you prefer homemade, try mixing a roux with mushrooms and broth. Cream of chicken is an alternative, too.
1/2 cup milk or beef broth: Adding milk or broth enhances the creaminess; broth can boost the beef flavor even more.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Cheddar cheese creates that ooey-gooey texture we all love. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack for extra flavor!
1 teaspoon paprika: This spice adds a warm depth and a bit of sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor. You can use smoked paprika for a more intense taste.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together—don’t skip these!
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of parsley adds a fresh touch, both visually and in taste, brightening up the dish.

How to Make Healthy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick. This step results in easy serving later, plus an added bonus of a crispier base once it’s baked.

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef and diced onion. Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Make sure to drain any excess fat for a healthier option, as too much fat can overwhelm the flavors.

Add Garlic: Stir the minced garlic into the skillet and let it cook for about 30 seconds just until fragrant, filling your kitchen with an incredible aroma. Garlic is a game-changer, lifting the entire dish with its robust flavor—trust me, this little step pays off!

Whisk Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, take a moment to whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth. This creamy concoction will melt beautifully into the casserole, creating layers of flavor that everyone will love.

Combine Ingredients: Now, in your prepared baking dish, combine the warm cooked rice, the beef and onion mixture, 1 cup of the shredded cheese, and your lovingly prepared sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure each bit of rice and beef is coated in that delicious sauce.

Add More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly over the top of your casserole mixture. This cheese will melt into a glorious golden layer while baking, creating a beautiful, bubbling crust that’s hard to resist.

Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it into your preheated oven. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye during the last few minutes—nothing is worse than burnt cheese!

Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional): If you’re feeling adventurous, broil the casserole for about 2 minutes for an extra crispy cheese topping. Just keep a watchful eye to prevent burning—this step can elevate the texture!

Rest and Garnish: Allow your casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving; this will help set everything together nicely. If you desire, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a colourful and fresh touch before serving hot!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours, but promptly transfer it to the refrigerator where it can stay fresh for up to 4 days in an airtight container. If you want to save it for later, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s cooled completely and wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. When reheating, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until it’s heated through. You might notice a slight change in texture, but a splash of milk can help refresh it while reheating.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the beef; it should be just browned to ensure it remains juicy and tender.
Remember to season well! Taste as you go, and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.
If you want a bit of crunch, consider adding breadcrumbs mixed with some olive oil on top before baking.
For a vegetarian twist, substitute beef with a mix of veggies like zucchini and bell peppers, and use vegetable broth.
This casserole can be made ahead of time; just assemble it, wrap it for the fridge, and bake when ready!
Instant rice works in a pinch, but for the best texture, use regular cooked rice.

You have embraced the joy of creating a meal that’s not just easy but fills your kitchen with warmth and love. The blend of flavors in this Healthy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is bound to become one of your family’s favorites. With its delightful creamy texture and cheesy goodness, who wouldn’t want to dig in? Use it as a base and experiment with your favorite add-ins like veggies or different cheeses to make it your own.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Healthy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to serve, bake it as instructed, allowing a few extra minutes for it to warm through.

What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?

If you’re looking for a homemade alternative, you can make a simple creamy sauce using equal parts of butter, flour, and broth with a splash of heavy cream. A prepared cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce works nicely too!

Can this casserole be frozen?

Yes! You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, you can bake it straight from frozen, just increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

How do I enhance the flavor of the casserole?

To amp up the flavor, consider adding spices like Italian seasoning, or toss in some sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms with the beef. A dash of hot sauce can add a slight kick if you want extra heat, too!