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Crispy Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

crispy cheesy beef and rice casserole - featured image
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A comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey cheddar cheese, all topped with a golden-brown, crunchy panko and parmesan topping. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or basmati recommended)
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium is fine)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables, thawed (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add cooked rice and beef broth to the skillet. Mix well and heat through for about 2 minutes.
  5. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until well combined and creamy.
  6. Fold in peas or mixed vegetables and Italian seasoning, if using.
  7. Transfer beef and rice mixture to prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
  8. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  9. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated parmesan. Scatter evenly over the cheese.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until topping is golden-brown and edges are bubbling. If top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  11. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use leftover rice for best texture. For gluten-free, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure broth is gluten-free. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and yogurt. Add extra veggies or swap cheeses for variety. Let casserole rest before serving for neat slices. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef casserole, cheesy rice casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, potluck recipe, oven baked casserole

Find it online: https://evabake.com/crispy-cheesy-beef-and-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-dinner-with-golden-brown-topping/