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Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole

A comforting one-dish meal featuring ground beef, rice, mixed vegetables, and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef Can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice Brown rice can be used but may require additional cooking time.
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces) Extra can be added for a creamier consistency.
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Alternate cheeses could be mozzarella or pepper jack.
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and brown thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula, for about 5 to 7 minutes until there is no pink left. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, uncooked white rice, Worcestershire sauce, and frozen mixed vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing until well combined.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  7. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top.

Notes

For best results, ensure the ground beef is fully browned and excess fat is drained. Keeping the foil tightly sealed during baking will allow the rice to cook properly. Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps it set.