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Ground Beef Casserole

Featured in Food for the Family.

This Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and colorful vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. The dish starts with perfectly seasoned ground beef and onions, enhanced with garlic and a blend of classic seasonings. What makes this casserole special is how the instant rice absorbs all the flavors as it cooks, while the cream of celery soup creates a luxurious sauce that brings everything together. The finishing touch is a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese that gets beautifully browned under the broiler, adding both flavor and visual appeal. It's a complete meal in one dish that's perfect for busy families, potlucks, or whenever you need a satisfying, home-cooked meal.
Soo Ben
Updated on Wed, 22 Jan 2025 03:28:06 GMT
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This hearty cheesy ground beef and rice casserole combines classic comfort food ingredients into a satisfying one-dish meal that's perfect for feeding a hungry family. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, tender rice, and melted cheese creates layers of flavor that make this dish absolutely irresistible.

This recipe came from a particularly busy evening when I needed to feed a crowd with minimal fuss. The way all the ingredients come together creates something truly special.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Ground beef: 80/20 provides best flavor balance
  • Cream of celery soup: Creates rich, savory base
  • Instant rice: Ensures proper cooking time
  • Sharp cheddar: Aged cheese offers most flavor
  • Mixed vegetables: Frozen works perfectly here
  • Beef stock: Low sodium allows better seasoning control

Step-by-Step Instructions

Perfect the Base

  • Brown beef thoroughly, breaking into small pieces
  • Cook onions until truly translucent
  • Drain fat completely to prevent greasiness
  • Season meat mixture while cooking
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Create the Sauce

  • Combine soups and stock smoothly
  • Add seasonings gradually
  • Taste and adjust before adding rice
  • Ensure proper consistency

Layer with Care

  • Mix rice evenly into sauce
  • Distribute vegetables throughout
  • Press mixture gently into pan
  • Top with even cheese layer

Master the Bake

  • Cover tightly with foil
  • Check at minimum bake time
  • Uncover for final browning
  • Let rest before serving

My favorite memory is bringing this to a potluck where three people asked for the recipe before dinner was over!

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare through assembly, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to bake time.

Customization Ideas

I love adding different vegetable combinations or swapping in different cheese varieties to create new variations.

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Homemade Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole | mamamiakitchen.com

After countless times making this casserole, I've learned it's more than just dinner - it's a reliable way to bring the family together around the table for a comforting meal that everyone loves.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
→ What can I substitute for cream of celery soup?
Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup work well as alternatives in this recipe.
→ Can I use different vegetables?
Yes, any frozen mixed vegetable blend will work, or use your favorite fresh vegetables cut into small pieces.
→ Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
→ What can I serve with this casserole?
It's a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a green salad or crusty bread if desired.

Easy Ground Beef Casserole

A comforting one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, rice, vegetables, and cheese in a creamy sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Sou

Category: Family Dinners

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Meat and Produce

01 1 pound ground beef
02 1 small sweet onion, small diced
03 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables

→ Pantry Items

05 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of celery soup
06 1 ½ cups beef stock
07 1 cup instant rice

→ Seasonings

08 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 1 teaspoon onion powder
10 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
11 1 teaspoon paprika
12 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
13 ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Dairy

14 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F, spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

Step 02

In a dutch oven or large skillet with deep sides over medium heat, add ground beef and diced onion. Break up the beef into crumbles, stirring often until there is no pink left, and the onions have softened - about 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Step 03

Add minced garlic, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, and take off the heat.

Step 04

Stir in cream of celery soup, beef stock, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 05

Add instant rice and frozen mixed vegetables and stir to combine. Add the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Step 06

Top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and cover with nonstick foil. Bake for 45 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted.

Step 07

Uncover and place under the broiler to lightly brown the cheese. Top with dried or fresh parsley (optional) and serve!

Notes

  1. Browning the cheese under the broiler adds extra texture and flavor
  2. Can be made ahead and reheated
  3. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Dutch oven or large skillet with deep sides
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Nonstick foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, cream of celery soup)
  • Contains gluten (cream of celery soup)