This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is comfort food at its finest – hearty, savory, and incredibly easy to prepare. Despite its name, the cheese in this dish comes from the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup and beef consommé rather than actual cheese, creating a unique depth of flavor that’s absolutely delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal that practically cooks itself, this casserole combines simple ingredients into something truly special that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 450g (1 pound) ground beef
- 400g (2 cups) long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cans (10.5 oz/315ml each) French onion soup
- 2 cans (10.5 oz/315ml each) beef consommé
- 115g (½ cup/1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into pats
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, browned beef, French onion soup, and beef consommé. Stir until everything is well mixed and evenly distributed.
- Place the butter slices evenly over the top of the mixture. This will melt during cooking to create richness throughout the dish.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is important to trap the steam and properly cook the rice.
- Bake covered for 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Once done, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before uncovering. This resting period allows the remaining liquid to be absorbed and the casserole to set.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Nutritional Information and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (including resting time)
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 520
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 980mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 22g
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Rice Selection: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe as it maintains its structure after baking. Short-grain rice may become too sticky.
- Beef Options: For a leaner option, use 90/10 ground beef or substitute ground turkey. For more flavor, try using 80/20 ground beef.
- Liquid Ratio: The liquid-to-rice ratio is important for proper cooking. If your rice tends to come out undercooked, you can add an additional ¼ cup of water or broth.
- Foil Seal: Make sure the foil is sealed tightly around the edges of the baking dish to trap the steam needed to cook the rice properly.
- Doneness Test: Check the rice after about 50 minutes by carefully lifting a corner of the foil and testing a few grains. It should be tender but still have some texture.
- Rest Time: Don’t skip the resting period after baking. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and helps the casserole set to the perfect consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add Real Cheese: For a truly cheesy version, sprinkle 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Vegetable Additions: Mix in 1 cup of frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or corn before baking for added nutrition and color.
- Soup Substitutions: If you can’t find beef consommé, substitute with beef broth and add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add 1 teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a southwestern flair.
- Mushroom Lovers: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms sautéed with the ground beef for an earthy flavor boost.
- Herb Enhancements: Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning blend to the soup mixture for more herbal notes.
Common FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Add an extra ½ cup of broth and expect to bake for about 20-30 minutes longer. Check for doneness before serving.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can brown the beef ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the casserole right before baking. The uncooked rice will continue to absorb liquid if left sitting too long before cooking.
Why is my rice still crunchy after baking?
This could be due to insufficient liquid, opening the oven during cooking (which releases steam), or not covering the dish tightly enough with foil. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated and the foil forms a tight seal.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, do not add the rice – instead, add it when you’re ready to bake. If freezing after baking, cool completely, portion if desired, and freeze for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with this casserole?
A simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread makes great accompaniments to balance the hearty nature of this dish.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze cooked casserole, cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat covered in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Add a tablespoon or two of water or broth if it seems dry. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Meal Prep: You can brown the beef up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, bring the beef to room temperature before combining with the other ingredients.
- Portioning: This casserole makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day. Portion into individual containers for grab-and-go meals during the week.
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is more than just a simple weeknight dinner – it’s a one-dish wonder that combines humble ingredients into a satisfyingly delicious meal. With its rich, savory flavors and minimal prep work, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a comforting dish to enjoy on a cozy evening, this casserole delivers homestyle goodness in every bite.
