Introduction:
Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the quintessential comfort food dish, perfect for cozy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. This recipe takes the humble combination of ground beef and rice and elevates it to a flavorful and satisfying casserole, crowned with a golden, cheesy cheddar crust. Imagine digging into a warm, hearty bake filled with savory seasoned ground beef and tender rice, all enveloped in a rich sauce and topped with a crisp and cheesy cheddar layer – it’s simple, delicious, and utterly irresistible!
This recipe is all about ease and creating a comforting, family-friendly meal with pantry staples. Casseroles are the ultimate hands-off cooking method, perfect for busy schedules. The cheddar crust adds a delightful textural contrast and boosts the savory flavor profile, making this dish more than just your average ground beef and rice. It’s a dish that’s both nostalgic and satisfying, perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or simply enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal without the fuss.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to experience a culinary delight that’s incredibly easy to make and utterly delicious to eat – a true comfort food classic that will become a new family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll absolutely adore this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole recipe because it’s the perfect embodiment of easy comfort food. This dish is designed to be both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make, delivering maximum satisfaction with minimal effort in the kitchen.
Firstly, the flavor is classic and comforting. The savory combination of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese is a flavor profile that’s universally loved and evokes feelings of warmth and home-cooked goodness. It’s a taste that’s both familiar and incredibly satisfying.
Secondly, it’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. Minimal prep work is required – just brown the beef, combine the ingredients, top with cheese crust, and bake! Casseroles are known for their simplicity, and this recipe is no exception, making it ideal for quick and stress-free meals.
Thirdly, it’s a crowd-pleaser – loved by both kids and adults. This casserole is a guaranteed hit with the whole family. Kids love the cheesy topping and familiar flavors, while adults appreciate the hearty and satisfying nature of the dish. It’s a reliable option for picky eaters and gatherings alike.
Finally, it’s versatile and great for meal prep. You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables or cheeses. It’s also fantastic for making ahead and reheating, perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners throughout the week. This recipe is sure to become a go-to for its flavor, ease, comfort, and overall delicious and convenient dining experience!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create this comforting and family-friendly Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, you’ll need a selection of pantry-friendly and common ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and achieving the perfect texture in this classic casserole. Let’s explore each ingredient and its contribution to the final recipe.
For the Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Base:
Ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended) is the protein base of the casserole, providing savory flavor and heartiness. Ground beef with some fat content (80/20 or 85/15) is recommended for juiciness and flavor.
Yellow onion, diced, adds sweetness and aromatic depth to the casserole base, complementing the savory beef flavor. Onion softens and adds sweetness and moisture to the casserole.
Garlic cloves, minced, are essential for adding a pungent and savory garlic flavor that enhances the overall flavor profile. Fresh garlic is crucial for the best garlic flavor.
Canned diced tomatoes, undrained, provide a slightly tangy tomato base and moisture to the casserole. Undrained diced tomatoes add moisture and tomato flavor.
Beef broth or beef stock forms the liquid base of the casserole, providing a rich and savory foundation. Beef broth is crucial for the beefy flavor base. Use low sodium to control salt.
Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth and savory complexity to the casserole, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Worcestershire sauce boosts savory umami notes.
Dried Italian seasoning adds a subtle herbaceous and savory background note that complements beef, tomatoes, and cheese. Italian seasoning adds subtle savory and herbaceous depth.
Salt, preferably sea salt or kosher salt, is essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the casserole.
Black pepper, freshly ground, adds a subtle spice and depth to the overall flavor profile.
Uncooked long-grain white rice forms the carbohydrate base of the casserole and absorbs the flavorful sauce while baking. Long grain white rice cooks perfectly in casserole and absorbs flavors well.
For the Cheddar Cheese Crust:
Cheddar cheese, sharp cheddar, shredded, provides a classic cheesy flavor and creates a golden, savory crust. Sharp cheddar provides robust cheese flavor and melts beautifully for crust.
Unsalted butter, melted, helps bind the cheddar cheese crust ingredients together and adds richness and flavor. Melted butter binds crust ingredients and adds flavor.
All-purpose flour helps bind the cheddar cheese crust ingredients and adds structure to the crust. Flour helps create a cohesive crust.
Breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs, add texture and crispness to the cheddar cheese crust. Breadcrumbs contribute to crispy, slightly crunchy crust.
HOW TO MAKE “Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole”:
Making Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole involves several key stages: cooking the ground beef and aromatics, combining casserole ingredients and simmering, preparing the cheddar cheese crust, assembling the casserole by layering beef and rice mixture and cheddar crust, and then baking to golden perfection. Let’s outline the general method to understand the flow of the recipe.
First, you will cook the ground beef and aromatics. Ground beef is browned in a skillet with diced onion and minced garlic until beef is cooked through and onion is softened. Cooking ground beef and aromatics as the flavor base of the casserole. Draining grease after browning beef is recommended.
Next, you will combine casserole ingredients and simmer. Canned diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and uncooked long-grain white rice are added to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. The mixture is brought to a simmer and cooked until the rice is mostly cooked and has absorbed much of the liquid. Combining casserole ingredients and simmering until rice is partially cooked. Rice will finish cooking in oven bake.
Then, you will prepare the cheddar cheese crust. Shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, all-purpose flour, and breadcrumbs are mixed together to create the cheddar cheese crust topping. Preparing cheddar cheese crust separately for topping casserole before baking.
After preparations are done, you will assemble the casserole. The ground beef and rice mixture is transferred to a greased casserole dish. The cheddar cheese crust topping is evenly sprinkled over the beef and rice mixture. Assembling casserole by layering beef and rice mixture and cheddar crust topping.
Finally, you will bake and serve. The assembled casserole is baked in a preheated oven until the cheddar cheese crust is golden brown and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Baking casserole until cheese crust is golden and casserole is heated through. Serving hot maximizes comfort and flavor. Enjoy this comforting and cheesy casserole!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Let’s delve into a more detailed, step-by-step guide for preparing your Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Each step is broken down further to provide clarity and ensure even beginner cooks can confidently create this comforting and flavorful dish at home.
Part 1: Preparing the Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Base
Step 1: Brown Ground Beef and Sauté Aromatics.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Browning ground beef and sautéing aromatics to develop flavor. Draining grease prevents casserole from being too greasy.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Broth, Seasonings, and Rice.
Stir in canned diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth (or beef stock), Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the beef and onions. Add uncooked long-grain white rice. Stir to combine all ingredients. Adding remaining casserole base ingredients and uncooked rice. Uncooked rice will cook in the sauce during simmering and baking.
Step 3: Simmer Rice Mixture.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is mostly cooked and has absorbed much of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Simmering rice in sauce until partially cooked. Rice will finish cooking during baking in oven.
Part 2: Preparing the Cheddar Cheese Crust
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Grease Casserole Dish.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Preheat oven ensures correct baking temperature. Greasing dish prevents casserole from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Cheddar Cheese Crust.
In a medium bowl, combine shredded sharp cheddar cheese, melted unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and plain breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs). Mix together with a fork until crumbly and well combined. Preparing cheddar cheese crust topping in separate bowl. Melted butter binds dry ingredients.
Part 3: Assembling and Baking the Casserole
Step 1: Assemble Casserole.
Transfer the ground beef and rice mixture from the skillet to the prepared greased baking dish, spreading it evenly in the dish. Transferring cooked beef and rice mixture to baking dish.
Step 2: Top with Cheddar Cheese Crust.
Evenly sprinkle the cheddar cheese crust mixture over the top of the ground beef and rice mixture in the baking dish, covering the surface completely. Sprinkle cheddar cheese crust evenly over casserole. Generous cheese topping is key to this casserole.
Step 3: Bake Casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese crust is golden brown and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and depth of casserole. Bake until golden brown cheese crust and heated casserole. Golden brown and bubbly cheese indicates doneness.
Step 4: Cool Slightly and Serve Warm.
Let the Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional). Serve warm. Cooling slightly makes serving easier and prevents burning mouth. Serve warm for best comfort and cheesy goodness. Enjoy this family-friendly casserole!
USEFUL TIPS:
To consistently create delicious Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, consider these helpful tips. These suggestions cover key aspects from ground beef browning to rice cooking, cheese crust texture, and serving techniques, designed to elevate your casserole-making skills and ensure a flavorful outcome every time.
Brown the ground beef well and drain off excess grease for the best flavor and texture. Browning beef develops savory flavors. Draining grease prevents casserole from being greasy.
Don’t overcook the rice during the simmering stage. The rice should be mostly cooked and have absorbed much of the liquid, but it will finish cooking in the oven during baking. Partially cooked rice in simmer stage ensures perfect texture after baking.
Taste and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce) to your preference at the simmering stage. Always taste and adjust seasonings to your liking. Seasoning balance is crucial for flavor.
For a crispier cheddar cheese crust, use panko breadcrumbs and don’t pack the crust topping down too firmly. Panko breadcrumbs yield crispier crust. Lightly sprinkle crust for best crisping.
If the cheddar cheese crust starts to brown too quickly during baking, you can loosely tent the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while the casserole heats through. Foil tent prevents over-browning cheese crust if needed.
Let the casserole cool slightly for a few minutes after baking before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes serving easier. Slight cooling period before serving is recommended.
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor, especially when the cheese crust is golden and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is best enjoyed warm, right after baking, when cheese is melty and casserole is hot. Serve warm for optimal enjoyment.
DETAILS:
Let’s explore the specific details of this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole recipe. Understanding these details will help you plan your cooking process and appreciate the elements that contribute to the recipe’s overall success and delightful characteristics.
Prep Time: Approximately 25 minutes (including browning beef, chopping vegetables, and making cheese crust). Prep time involves browning beef, chopping onion and garlic, and mixing cheese crust ingredients. Efficient prep makes assembly smoother.
Cook Time (Simmering): Approximately 15-20 minutes (for simmering rice mixture). Simmering time allows rice to partially cook and absorb sauce flavors.
Bake Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes (for baking casserole). Baking time is relatively short to heat through and brown cheese crust. Quick baking for casserole.
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour – 1 hour 10 minutes (including prep, simmering, and baking times). This represents the combined active prep and cooking times, providing a clear picture of the total time commitment from start to finish. Relatively quick and easy casserole.
Yield: Approximately 6-8 servings. This recipe is designed to comfortably serve 6-8 people as a main course, depending on portion sizes. Yield can be easily adjusted by scaling ingredients. Good for family dinner or small gathering.
Category: Main Course, Casserole, Beef, Rice, Comfort Food, Family Friendly. Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole clearly falls into the category of main course, casseroles, beef and rice dishes, is considered comfort food, and family-friendly.
Method: Baking, Simmering, Skillet & Oven. The primary cooking method is baking in the oven, with initial steps of browning beef and simmering rice mixture on the stovetop. Combination of skillet and oven cooking.
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food, Family Cuisine, Casserole Cuisine. This dish is American comfort food, family-friendly cuisine, and classic casserole style cooking.
Diet: Not specified (modifiable). This recipe, as written, is not specifically tailored to any particular diet. For a lower-carb version, substitute rice with cauliflower rice (though texture will be different and may require adjusting liquid). For gluten-free, ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (check label), and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For lower-sodium, use low-sodium beef broth, reduce or omit added salt. For dairy-free, substitute dairy-free cheddar cheese shreds and plant-based butter alternative for the crust, though cheddar crust is central to the dish’s character.
NOTES:
Consider these additional notes for making your Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole even more personalized and successful. These insights provide flexibility and address potential variations, ingredient substitutions, and important considerations for different preferences and situations.
Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses or cheese blends in the cheddar crust. Monterey Jack cheese, Colby Jack cheese, a blend of cheddar and mozzarella, or even a smoked Gouda can add different flavor profiles to the crust. Cheese choice can customize flavor.
Vegetable variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole base. Diced bell peppers, frozen peas (added at the end of simmering), corn kernels, or sliced mushrooms would all be delicious additions. Vegetable additions can boost nutrition and flavor.
Spice variations: For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture while browning, or a dash of hot sauce to the casserole base during simmering. Adjust spice levels to your preference.
Herb variations: Experiment with different dried herbs or fresh herbs in addition to or instead of Italian seasoning. Dried oregano, dried thyme, fresh parsley, or fresh chives can all be used. Herb choice can subtly alter flavor profile.
Meat variations: You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for ground beef for a leaner casserole, or use a mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage for a richer flavor. Meat choice can be adapted to dietary needs or preferences.
Make ahead option: The casserole can be assembled ahead of time (up to a day before baking), covered tightly, and stored in the refrigerator. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. Make-ahead convenience for meal planning.
For a richer casserole, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of some of the beef broth for a creamier sauce base (reduce broth slightly if adding cream). Cream or half-and-half adds richness to sauce base.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Let’s address some frequently asked questions about making Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. These answers are designed to provide clarity and solutions to common queries, ensuring a smooth and successful casserole cooking experience.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked rice to save time?
A: While using pre-cooked rice would technically work to speed up the simmering stage, it’s not recommended as it can alter the texture of the casserole. Uncooked long-grain rice is designed to cook and absorb liquid in the casserole, creating the right texture and binding everything together. Using pre-cooked rice might result in a softer or mushier casserole texture as it might overcook during baking. Using uncooked rice as recipe directs yields best casserole texture.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice for a more whole-grain option. However, brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. You will need to increase the simmering time significantly and possibly add more beef broth to ensure the brown rice is fully cooked and tender before baking. Brown rice will also result in a denser and nuttier casserole texture. Monitor liquid and cooking time when using brown rice.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Yes, absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this casserole. Good vegetable additions include frozen peas (stirred in at the very end of simmering), frozen corn kernels, diced bell peppers (sautéed with onions), sliced mushrooms (sautéed with onions), or shredded carrots. Add vegetables during simmering stage for best incorporation and flavor.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time and freeze it?
A: Yes, Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole can be made ahead and frozen either baked or unbaked:
* To Freeze Unbaked: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Bake from frozen, uncovered, at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 60-75 minutes, or until heated through, bubbly, and cheese crust is golden brown (baking from frozen will require longer cooking time).
* To Freeze Baked: Bake the casserole completely, let it cool to room temperature. Cut into portions (optional) and wrap individual portions or the whole casserole in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen or thawed in oven or microwave until heated through. Reheating from frozen will take longer.
Q: How do I reheat leftover casserole?
A: Leftover Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole can be reheated in several ways:
* Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Oven reheating is best for maintaining texture.
* Microwave: Microwave individual portions on medium power in short intervals until heated through. Microwave is quickest but cheese crust may soften slightly.
* Skillet (for smaller portions): For smaller portions, you can reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking, covered, until heated through. Skillet reheating can work for smaller portions, add moisture to prevent drying.
Q: Can I make this casserole in a smaller or larger baking dish?
A: Yes, you can adjust the baking dish size. A 9×13 inch dish is recommended. If using a smaller dish (e.g., 8×8 or 9×9 inch), the casserole will be thicker and may require slightly longer baking time to heat through and ensure rice is fully cooked, and it may serve fewer people. If using a larger dish (e.g., 10×15 inch), the casserole will be thinner and may bake slightly faster. Adjust baking time and monitor for doneness based on dish size and casserole thickness.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and flavor of your leftover Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Follow these instructions to ensure your dish remains delicious and safe to eat even after being stored, although casseroles are generally best enjoyed fresh.
Refrigeration (Recommended): Allow cooked Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole to cool slightly to room temperature before storing. Once cooled, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator. Properly refrigerated beef and rice casserole will last for up to 3-4 days. Refrigeration is recommended for food safety and maintaining quality beyond a few hours.
Reheating (Oven Recommended for Best Texture): Reheat leftover Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Oven reheating is best for maintaining the texture of the casserole and crisping up the cheddar crust. Microwave reheating is faster for individual portions but may soften the cheese crust and alter texture slightly. Skillet reheating (for smaller portions) with a touch of moisture can also work.
Freezing for Longer Storage: For longer-term storage, freezing is recommended (as detailed in FAQ section). Frozen casserole can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Cheddar Cheese Crust: The cheddar cheese crust will be best and crispiest when freshly baked. While it will reheat, the crust may soften slightly upon reheating, especially if microwaved. Oven reheating is best for restoring some crispness to the cheese crust.
Garnishes: Fresh parsley garnish is best added fresh when serving, not stored and reheated. Add parsley fresh for each serving.
RELATED RECIPES
If you enjoyed the comforting, cheesy, and easy-to-make nature of Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, you’ll surely appreciate these other related ground beef casserole recipes, cheesy baked dishes, or classic comfort food meals. These recipes offer similar comforting qualities, delicious flavor profiles, or are variations on cheesy, beef-based, and easy-to-make themes in different and exciting ways.
Classic Shepherd’s Pie (Ground Beef and Potato Topped Casserole): For a similar comfort food casserole with a potato topping instead of rice, try Classic Shepherd’s Pie. Ground beef and vegetables are simmered in a savory gravy and topped with mashed potatoes and baked, offering a quintessential comfort food bake.
Beef Stroganoff Casserole (Cheesy Beef and Noodle Bake): If you enjoy cheesy beef casseroles with noodles, try Beef Stroganoff Casserole. Ground beef and egg noodles are combined in a creamy mushroom sauce and baked with a cheesy topping, offering a rich and cheesy beef and noodle casserole.
Chili Cheese Bake (Chili and Cheese Casserole): For a chili-inspired cheesy casserole, try Chili Cheese Bake. Chili (beef or vegetarian) is topped with a cheesy cornbread topping and baked, offering a hearty and flavorful chili and cheese bake.
Tater Tot Casserole (Ground Beef and Tater Tot Topped Casserole): If you like fun and kid-friendly casseroles, try Tater Tot Casserole. Ground beef mixture is topped with tater tots and baked until golden and crispy, offering a playful and crowd-pleasing casserole.
Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce (Cheesy Pasta and Meat Casserole): For a cheesy pasta bake with meat sauce, try Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce. Ziti pasta is layered with a rich meat sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden, offering a classic Italian-American baked pasta dish.
CONCLUSION
Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is more than just a simple casserole; it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that embodies the essence of classic home cooking. With its savory seasoned ground beef and rice base, rich sauce, and that irresistible golden cheddar cheese crust, this recipe delivers a deeply satisfying and crowd-pleasing experience that’s perfect for any occasion when you crave easy comfort food. It’s a testament to how humble ingredients, when combined with simple techniques and baked to cheesy perfection, can create a dish that’s both incredibly delicious and remarkably rewarding to make.
This recipe provides a clear and detailed guide, ensuring that even novice cooks can confidently recreate this comforting and flavorful casserole in their own kitchens. From browning the ground beef and simmering the rice to preparing the cheesy crust and baking it all to golden bubbly perfection, each step is designed for ease and maximum enjoyment. Imagine the satisfaction of serving a warm 9×13 dish of your own homemade Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, the inviting aroma filling your home, and the happy smiles as everyone savors each cheesy, savory, and utterly delicious bite of this family-friendly classic.
Whether you’re looking for a no-fuss weeknight dinner, a potluck dish that’s always a hit, a comforting and satisfying meal for a chilly evening, or simply crave a taste of classic cheesy casserole goodness, Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a recipe that promises to become a cherished favorite. It’s versatile, wonderfully delicious, and remarkably rewarding to make – embodying all the qualities of a perfect easy and crowd-pleasing casserole. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on the delightful journey of making your own Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. You’re just moments away from creating a truly magnificent and deliciously satisfying culinary experience that will be savored and appreciated by all.
