Description
This Healthy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is quick to prepare and full of flavor. Filled with savory beef, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s the perfect comfort food for weeknight dinners or potlucks!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1/2 cup milk or beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef with diced onion for 7 to 8 minutes; drain fat.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- In the baking dish, mix cooked rice, beef mixture, 1 cup cheese, and creamy sauce.
- Top with remaining cheese and cover with foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes covered, then 10 minutes uncovered until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Optionally broil for 2 minutes for a crispy top, monitor to prevent burning.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnish with parsley.
Notes
You can substitute turkey or plant-based crumbles for the beef for a lighter version.
For a healthier twist, add spinach or bell peppers to the casserole before baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg