Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
🧂 Ingredients
Beef & Rice Base
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice (or 3 cups cooked rice)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
- 2 tbsp oil or butter
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Creamy Sauce
- 1 can (or 1 cup) cream of mushroom soup (or homemade white sauce)
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1 tsp paprika or chili powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or mixed herbs
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional for depth)
Cheese Layer
- 1½ to 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- Extra cheese for topping (optional but recommended 😄)
🔥 Cooking Method
1. Cook the rice
- Cook rice separately and keep it fluffy
(If using leftover rice, even better)
2. Cook the beef
- Heat oil in a pan
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft
- Add ground beef and cook until browned
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika
- Stir in vegetables and cook 2–3 minutes
3. Make the creamy mixture
- Add cream of mushroom soup + milk
- Mix well until everything is coated and slightly saucy
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes
4. Combine
- Add cooked rice into the beef mixture
- Stir until evenly mixed
5. Assemble casserole
- Transfer to a baking dish
- Spread evenly
- Top generously with shredded cheese
6. Bake
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Bake for 15–20 minutes
- Broil for last 2–3 minutes for a golden cheese crust
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve with fresh salad or garlic bread
- Add hot sauce or chili flakes for extra kick
- Great for leftovers (flavor gets better next day 😄)
🔥 Tips for Best Flavor
- Use sharp cheddar for stronger cheesy taste
- Don’t overcook rice—keep it slightly firm
- Let it rest 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets nicely
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor