Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 3: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Increase the heat slightly and add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
5. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and the ground beef mixture.
2. Stir in 1 can of cream of mushroom soup and ½ of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. If using optional vegetables like peas or corn, fold them in at this stage.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
2. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and ½ cup of mozzarella evenly over the top. This will create a golden, melty cheesy layer after baking.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfection

• Extra Cheesy: Add more cheese on top if you love a gooey, indulgent casserole.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it the next day, adding 5–10 extra minutes if cold from the fridge.
• Spice it Up: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a slight kick.
• Rice Swap: Brown rice works too, but you’ll need slightly more cooking time and liquid.

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is not only filling and delicious but also budget-friendly and customizable. It’s a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep for the week. Once you try it, it might just become your go-to casserole recipe.

If you want, I can also create a version with step-by-step photos to make it even easier to follow, almost like a visual recipe guide. Do you want me to do that?