🥘 Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Creamy Cheddar

Here’s a Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Creamy Cheddar recipe along with detailed FAQs 🍲🧀

🥘 Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Creamy Cheddar

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice (or 2 ½ cups cooked rice)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup beef broth (or water with 1 bouillon cube)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice
   • If using uncooked rice, prepare according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. Brown the beef
   • In a large skillet, heat oil. Cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add veggies
   • Stir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened (5 minutes).
4. Make it creamy
   • Add the soup, sour cream, beef broth, and seasonings. Stir until well combined.
5. Combine with rice
   • Stir in the cooked rice and 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese. Mix well.
6. Bake the casserole
   • Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
   • Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar on top.
7. Bake
   • Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

❓ Recipe FAQs

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
👉 Yes, but pre-cook it fully since brown rice takes longer to cook.

Q2: What other cheeses work well?
👉 Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby, or a Mexican blend add great flavor.

Q3: Can I make it ahead of time?
👉 Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready (add 10 extra minutes).

Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
👉 Yes. Assemble without baking, cover tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Q5: How can I make it healthier?
👉 Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, reduced-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Q6: What veggies can I add?
👉 Mushrooms, corn, zucchini, or spinach work great in this dish.

Q7: Do I need cream of mushroom soup?
👉 No, you can substitute with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade white sauce.

Q8: How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
👉 Make sure there’s enough liquid (broth/soup mixture). Don’t overbake.

Would you like me to also give you a one-pan stovetop version of this casserole (no oven needed)?