Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole for Weeknight Dinner

⭐ Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole for Weeknight Dinner ⭐

The Ultimate Weeknight Winner: Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

When the clock is ticking and hunger is setting in, nothing beats a simple, comforting, and hearty dinner. This Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a complete meal baked in one dish, making it the perfect fuss-free solution for busy weeknights. It’s packed with savory ground beef, tender rice, and a luscious, creamy cheese sauce that the whole family will love. Forget complicated recipes—this is pure, delicious comfort food you can have on the table in about an hour!

🍴 Recipe Details

🛒 Ingredients

For the Casserole Base

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of celery or cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, optional)

For the Cheesy Topping

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-Monterey Jack blend), divided

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (or similar sized) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a pat of butter.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened, about 6–8 minutes.
• Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Base

• Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the uncooked rice, both cans of condensed soup (cream of mushroom and cream of celery/chicken), beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
• If using, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

• Pour the entire ground beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole mixture.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is crucial for trapping the steam needed to cook the rice.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

• Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and remove the foil.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
• Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid, giving you the best texture.
• Serve hot!

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