A warm and comforting casserole loaded with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. This easy family-friendly dinner is hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
🔹 Main Ingredients
- 450g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
🔹 Creamy Sauce
- 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
🔹 Optional Add-Ins
- Bell peppers 🌶️
- Corn 🌽
- Mushrooms 🍄
- Peas 🟢
- Jalapeños 🌶️
🍳 Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔸 Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F)
- Grease baking dish lightly
🔸 Step 2: Cook Beef
- Brown ground beef and onion in skillet
- Drain excess grease
🔸 Step 3: Prepare Sauce
- In bowl mix together:
- Soup
- Milk
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt & pepper
🔸 Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- In large bowl combine:
- Cooked beef
- Rice
- Sauce
- 1½ cups cheese
- Optional vegetables
🔸 Step 5: Assemble
- Spread mixture into baking dish
- Top with remaining cheese
🔸 Step 6: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes
✔ Cheese should be melted and bubbly
🔸 Step 7: Rest & Serve
- Let sit 5 minutes before serving
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Garlic bread 🥖
- Side salad 🥗
- Roasted broccoli 🥦
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Freshly shredded cheese melts better
✔ Use leftover rice for easy prep
✔ Add hot sauce for extra flavor
✔ Broil briefly for golden cheesy top
🔄 Variations
🌶️ Tex-Mex Casserole
Add taco seasoning and salsa
🥓 Bacon Cheeseburger Style
Add bacon and pickles
🍄 Mushroom Swiss Version
Use Swiss cheese and mushrooms
🧄 Garlic Parmesan Version
Add parmesan and roasted garlic
❓ FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes—assemble and refrigerate before baking.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely—freeze up to 2 months.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, any cooked rice works.
⚖️ Approx. Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350–480
- Protein: ~22g
- Carbs: ~28g
- Fat: ~20g
⚖️ WW Points (Estimated)
🔹 Traditional Version
👉 8–11 WW Points
✅ Lean Beef & Light Cheese Version
👉 5–7 WW Points
🔻 Extra Cheesy Version
👉 9–12 WW Points