A cozy, creamy casserole made with ground beef, rice, cheddar cheese, and a simple savory sauce. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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¾ cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or 2 cups cooked)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2–3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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½ cup milk
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 tbsp oil or butter (for sautéing)
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Optional: ½ cup diced bell pepper or 1 cup mixed vegetables
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook rice according to package instructions or use pre-cooked rice.
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In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, add garlic and cook briefly.
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Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
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In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, beef mixture, soup, milk, 1½ cups cheese, and optional veggies.
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Spread into prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.