This Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for an easy family dinner. It combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a crispy cheddar cheese crust.

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for the filling)

For the Cheddar Crust:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup crushed crackers (like Ritz) or panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
2. Add the onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft.
3. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and remove from heat.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Base

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Add the cooked ground beef mixture and stir until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish.
2. Spread it evenly with a spoon.

Step 5: Make the Cheddar Crust

1. In a small bowl, mix 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, crushed crackers (or breadcrumbs), and melted butter.
2. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
2. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

• Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for extra flavor.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.

Tips for the Best Cheddar Crusted Casserole

✔ Use cooked rice to save time—leftover rice works perfectly!
✔ For extra creaminess, add an extra ½ cup of sour cream or shredded cheese.
✔ Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
✔ Try different cheeses, like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, for extra flavor.

This Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a cheesy, satisfying meal the whole family will love. Would you like any

Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

This Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole is packed with flavorful ground beef, creamy rice, and a crispy cheddar topping for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for the filling)

For the Cheddar Crust:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup crushed crackers (like Ritz) or panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
2. Add the onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft.
3. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Base

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Add the cooked ground beef mixture and stir until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish.
2. Spread it evenly with a spoon.

Step 5: Make the Cheddar Crust

1. In a small bowl, mix 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, crushed crackers (or breadcrumbs), and melted butter.
2. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
2. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

• Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for extra flavor.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or garlic bread.

Tips for the Best Cheddar Crusted Casserole

✔ Use leftover rice to save time and prevent mushiness.
✔ Want extra creaminess? Add an extra ½ cup of sour cream or shredded cheese.
✔ Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
✔ Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra flavor.

This Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect blend of cheesy, creamy, and crunchy. Would you like a side dish recommendation to go with it?