![- 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup uncooked white rice - 2 cups beef broth - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons olive oil - ½ cup milk - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish rich and tasty. The ground beef gives it a hearty base. The rice soaks up the flavors, making every bite delightful. The cheddar cheese forms a tasty crust on top, adding creaminess. Mixed vegetables bring color and nutrition to the plate. The spices and seasonings elevate the dish. Paprika adds warmth, while thyme brings a fresh taste. Black pepper and salt enhance all the flavors. Olive oil helps sauté the onions and garlic, creating a delicious aroma. Milk adds creaminess to the filling, making it extra comforting. For the full recipe, you can check the details above. Happy cooking! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion and garlic until translucent. This takes about five minutes. You want the onion to become soft and clear. - Add ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula. Cook until browned, which should take six to eight minutes. If you see a lot of fat, drain it to keep your dish light. - Stir in rice, beef broth, mixed vegetables, paprika, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer. This will take about 18 to 20 minutes. You want the rice to be tender and to soak up most of the liquid. - Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Mix in the milk for creaminess. This step adds a nice touch to your dish. Then transfer everything to a greased baking dish. Top it off with cheddar cheese for that delicious crust. - Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The smell will be amazing! Let it cool for about five minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This adds a fresh taste too. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To avoid a dry casserole, use the right amount of broth. The beef broth keeps the rice moist. You can also mix in some milk at the end for creaminess. Be sure to let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This helps the layers set and keeps everything juicy. For perfect cheese melting, use fresh, shredded cheddar. Sprinkle it on top just before baking. The cheese will melt, bubble, and give that golden crust you want. Keep an eye on it while baking, so it doesn’t burn. I recommend a heavy skillet for even browning of the beef. A cast-iron skillet works great. It heats evenly and helps get that nice brown color on the meat. After browning, drain the excess fat for a lighter dish. For simmering rice, cover the pot tightly. This keeps steam in and helps the rice cook fully. Let it simmer on low heat. Check it after 18 minutes to see if it needs more time. Perfectly cooked rice is key to a great casserole. Pair your casserole with a fresh salad or warm bread. A crisp green salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread also complements the dish well, bringing out the flavors. For sides, think about roasted veggies or a simple coleslaw. These sides balance the rich flavors of the casserole. They add color and freshness to your meal. {{image_2}} You can easily change this recipe to fit your taste. Try using turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. These meats are leaner and still tasty. For a plant-based option, choose lentils or a meat substitute. Cheese is another great area to experiment. If you want a milder flavor, use mozzarella or Monterey Jack. For a stronger taste, consider using blue cheese or pepper jack. Want to spice things up? Add some chili powder or cayenne pepper for heat. A dash of cumin can add warmth too. These spices will give your casserole a new twist. Fresh herbs can boost flavor as well. Try adding chopped basil, cilantro, or parsley. They add freshness and a burst of color. If you need a vegetarian version, replace the beef with mushrooms and beans. You can still keep the rice and cheese for a hearty meal. For gluten-free options, swap the regular rice for brown rice or quinoa. These grains will keep it gluten-free while still being filling. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To store leftovers, let the casserole cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Use containers that seal well to keep moisture in. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work great. To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely. Cut it into portions for easy thawing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. In the fridge, the casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. Signs your casserole has gone bad include a sour smell, mold, or changes in color. If you notice any of these, it’s best to throw it away. For the full recipe, check out the section above. How to make Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole from scratch? Making this casserole from scratch is easy. Start by cooking ground beef with onion and garlic. Once browned, add rice, beef broth, and mixed veggies. Cook until the rice is done. Mix in milk, then put it in a baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese and bake until golden. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Just follow all the steps until you bake it. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, bake it straight from the fridge. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. What are the calories per serving? One serving of this casserole has about 450 calories. This can vary based on the beef and cheese you use. If you want a more accurate count, check the labels on your ingredients. Are there healthier modifications for this recipe? You can make this dish healthier by using lean ground beef or turkey. You can also swap regular cheese for low-fat cheese. Adding more vegetables can boost the nutrition without adding many calories. What if I don't have beef broth? If you don't have beef broth, use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead. Water can work too, but it will have less flavor. You can add a bit of soy sauce for extra taste. How do I adjust cooking time for larger portions? To adjust for larger portions, increase the cooking time slightly. Check the rice to make sure it is tender. If you double the recipe, cook it for about 10-15 minutes longer. Make sure the cheese is bubbly and golden. For the full recipe, check above! This blog post gives you a clear pathway to making a delicious cheddar-crusted ground beef and rice casserole. We covered the main and additional ingredients, plus spices to add flavor. The step-by-step instructions guide you from preheating the oven to enjoying the final dish. You also learned tips for making your casserole perfect and tasty variations to try. In the end, cooking should be fun and creative. Experiment with different ingredients and enjoy the rewards!](https://therecipehatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/719b96ce-4948-477f-87e7-6665609666f4-300x300.webp)
Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Savor the deliciousness of Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, perfect for a cozy family dinner! This easy recipe combines ground beef, rice, and vibrant veggies topped with melty cheddar cheese for a comforting meal everyone will love. In just 50 minutes, you can serve up this hearty dish. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how to make this cheesy delight that will surely be a hit at your table!