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- 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - ½ cup sour cream - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional) The heart of any great casserole lies in its ingredients. For my Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole, I use simple yet flavorful items. First, I start with ground beef. It gives the dish a rich taste and fills you up. Next, I add uncooked long-grain rice. This rice absorbs all the flavors as it cooks. I also include diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. These ingredients not only add color but also nutrients. The diced tomatoes bring moisture, while black beans and corn add texture. Seasonings are key. A little chili powder and paprika kick up the flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper. They balance everything out. For creaminess, I mix in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. The cheese melts to create a gooey layer on top. Fresh cilantro or parsley makes a lovely garnish. It adds a pop of color and freshness. When I prepare this dish, I feel excited to see how all these ingredients blend. Each bite offers a burst of flavor. This casserole is a simple family delight you’ll want to make again and again! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Browning the ground beef: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Stir it often until the meat turns brown. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to break it into small pieces as it cooks. 2. Adding onions and garlic: Once the beef is browned, add 1 small chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes soft and clear. This adds a nice flavor to the beef. 1. Stirring in tomatoes, beans, corn, and rice: Next, mix in 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juices), 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup of corn, and 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice. 2. Incorporating broth and seasonings: Pour in 2 cups of beef broth, then add 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. 1. Transferring to the baking dish: After mixing everything, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes. Then, remove it from heat. Stir in ½ cup of sour cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. 2. Baking time and techniques for browning cheese: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly and top with the remaining cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. To boost the taste of your casserole, try adding some spices. You can use cumin for warmth or oregano for an earthy touch. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat if you like spice. When sautéing the onion and garlic, cook them until they turn soft and golden. This brings out their sweetness and adds depth to your dish. If you want your casserole to be extra creamy, mix in more sour cream. Adding a bit more will make it rich and smooth. You can also stir in some cream cheese for a velvety texture. Just make sure to mix it well so it blends into the dish. For a beautiful presentation, garnish your casserole with fresh cilantro or parsley right before serving. This adds color and a fresh flavor. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top after baking for a lovely, melty finish. Serve it in a nice dish to make it look special. Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce excess grease in your casserole, making it healthier and more enjoyable. Layering Cheese: For extra cheesy goodness, consider adding a layer of cheese in the middle of the casserole along with the top layer for a melty surprise. Customizing Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be great additions. Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving for an easy meal on busy days. {{image_2}} You can easily switch ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These options are leaner and still tasty. They keep the dish light while adding protein. If you want a vegetarian meal, try meat substitutes like lentils or chickpeas. These give a nice texture and soak up flavors well. Brown rice is a great swap for long-grain rice. It adds fiber and a nutty taste. Quinoa is another option. It cooks fast and packs a protein punch. Both choices make the casserole heartier and healthier. You can boost nutrition by adding more veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach work well. They add color and taste. Plus, they make the dish more filling. Just chop them up and stir them in when you mix the ingredients. This way, you get a balanced meal everyone will love. To store leftovers, let the casserole cool first. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing. This helps prevent a dry top. The casserole will last in the fridge for about three days. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Freezing this casserole is easy and great for meal prep. First, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, you have a few options. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and cover with foil. Bake for about 25 minutes or until heated through. If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Heat on medium power, checking every minute until warm. This keeps the texture nice and creamy. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead. Prepare everything up to baking. Store the mixture in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it as usual. If it's cold from the fridge, add a few more minutes to the baking time. This helps the flavors blend well and saves you time on busy days. This casserole pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a healthy side. Cornbread is another great choice for a cozy, homestyle meal that complements the casserole's flavors. Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is classic, you can try other cheeses. Monterey Jack gives a nice melt and creaminess. Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick. For a rich flavor, consider using Gruyère or mozzarella. Mix and match to find your favorite combo that suits your taste! This blog post showed how to make a tasty Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole. We covered key ingredients like beef, rice, and beans. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing and baking the dish. We also shared tips for enhancing flavor and making it creamier. You can try different proteins and grains for variety. Don't forget about storing your leftovers! This casserole is a great meal that you and your family will enjoy. Keep experimenting and have fun in the kitchen!

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

A hearty and cheesy casserole featuring ground beef, rice, and a medley of vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • optional fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, corn, uncooked rice, beef broth, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the sour cream and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Allow the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for added flavor.
Keyword beef, casserole, cheesy, rice