Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds (680g) ground beef
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 can (10.75 oz / 300g) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven
   
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the beef
   
   In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the chopped onion until soft (about 3–4 minutes).
   
   Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
   
   Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Season
   
   Stir in salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Prepare the mixture
   
   Add the condensed soup and milk to the beef mixture. Stir until creamy and well combined.
5. Combine with rice
   
   Add the cooked rice and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix everything together.
6. Assemble the casserole
   
   Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
   
   Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly on top.
7. Bake
   
   Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a light golden top.
8. Serve
   
   Remove from oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm

Tips

You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Use mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different cheesy texture.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated easily.