Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole: A Comforting Layered Delight”

Introduction

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together hearty layers of creamy rice, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping, this dish is satisfying, flavorful, and easy to make.

With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone at the table will love.

This recipe combines simple ingredients into a layered masterpiece, showcasing a balance of flavors and textures.

The cheesy topping adds a golden finish, while the seasoned beef and creamy rice layers make every bite irresistible.

Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this casserole recipe is straightforward and rewarding.

Ingredients

For the Rice Layer:

2 cups cooked white rice

½ cup sour cream

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Beef Layer:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup tomato sauce

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

½ teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cheesy Topping:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice Layer:
   1. Cook the white rice according to package instructions and let it cool slightly.
   2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy. Set aside.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
   1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
   2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant.
   3. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, smoked paprika, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   4. Simmer the beef mixture for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well combined and the sauce has thickened.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
   2. Spread half of the rice mixture evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
   3. Add a layer of the beef mixture on top of the rice, spreading it out evenly.
   4. Repeat the layers with the remaining rice mixture and beef mixture.
   5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
4. Bake the Casserole:
   1. Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   2. For a golden, crispy top, switch to broil mode for the last 2–3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
5. Serve:
   1. Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
   2. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for added color and freshness.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting embrace in every bite.

The rich, flavorful beef, creamy rice, and melted cheese come together to create a dish that feels indulgent yet simple.

Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.

Want to add more veggies? Mix in some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Looking to spice it up? Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the beef layer.

However you make it, this casserole is a guaranteed hit that will leave everyone asking for seconds.