Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics: Once the beef is browned, add 1 medium diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add Rice and Liquid: To the skillet, stir in 1 cup of uncooked rice, 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juices), 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, and 2 cups of beef broth. Mix well to combine.
- Season the Mixture: Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. If you’re using frozen peas, add them now. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
- Pour into Baking Dish: Transfer the beef and rice mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly in the dish.
Step 5: Add Cheese
- Add Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If desired, reserve some cheese for topping later.
Step 6: Prepare Topping (Optional)
- Make Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are coated.
- Sprinkle on Top: Evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer. If you reserved extra cheese, sprinkle that on top as well.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. If you used breadcrumbs, they should be lightly toasted.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This will help it set and make serving easier.
- Serve Warm: Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole! Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms to the mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes if baking from cold.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table. Enjoy this hearty dish as a staple in your meal rotation, and savor the smiles it brings to family gatherings and weeknight dinners. Happy cooking!