Description
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting weeknight favorite featuring tender rice, seasoned ground beef (halal option available), and melty cheddar with optional mozzarella. This hearty one-dish bake yields 4 servings and keeps cleanup simple. With paprika, garlic, parsley, and onion for warm, family-friendly flavor, every bite feels cozy and budget-friendly. Perfect for busy families, make-ahead meals, and tasty leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (halal)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- Salt to taste
- Optional topping: extra cheese or sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 or similar baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion, bell pepper, and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, parsley, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in cheddar cheese (and mozzarella if using).
- Transfer mixture to the baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake 50-55 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- Remove foil, add extra cheese if desired, and bake 5 more minutes until melted.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Tip: For extra flavor, sauté spices with beef to bloom their aroma.
- If you prefer brown rice, adjust water and cook time accordingly.
- Make ahead: assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake longer to finish cooking.
- Leftovers refrigerate up to 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: Approx. 670
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, rice casserole, easy weeknight dinner, halal beef casserole, one-dish meal, comfort food, family dinner, cheese casserole