Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole 

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This casserole is everything comfort food should be: warm, hearty, creamy, and rich with layers of flavor that melt together into the perfect bite. The picture you posted shows a thick square slice lifted from the pan—beautifully structured with three layers: a base of creamy rice, a generous layer of seasoned beef, and a final topping of cheesy rice crowned with a golden, bubbly cheese crust.

This version will walk you through every detail, from the rice preparation to the beef seasoning to the cheese blend that gives the casserole that perfect melty pull. Let’s get started.

⭐ INGREDIENTS

🍚 

For the Creamy Rice Layer

  • 2 cups uncooked long-grain rice (or 4–5 cups cooked)
  • 3 ½ cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup sour cream or crème fraîche
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

🥩 

For the Seasoned Ground Beef Layer

  • 700–800g ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (optional but adds amazing flavor)
  • ½ cup beef broth (or water)

🧀 

For the Cheesy Topping

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar
  • 1 cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack
  • Optional: grated Parmesan for extra browning

🔥 STEP 1 — COOK THE RICE

The creamy rice base is essential to the casserole’s structure. It should be soft, fluffy, and well-seasoned.

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Boil water or chicken broth with salt and butter.
  3. Add rice, cover, and cook on low heat for 15–18 minutes.
  4. Let it rest off heat for 5 minutes.

When done, fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly before mixing in the creamy ingredients.

🧁 STEP 2 — MAKE THE CREAMY RICE MIXTURE

In a large bowl, combine:

  • Cooked rice
  • Sour cream
  • Mozzarella
  • Cheddar
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper

Mix gently. The rice should be creamy but not too wet. Taste and adjust seasoning.

This will form both the bottom and top layers of the casserole.

🍳 STEP 3 — COOK AND SEASON THE GROUND BEEF

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  1. Add ground beef and break it apart with a spoon.
  2. Cook until halfway brown, then add chopped onion and minced garlic.
  3. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and onions are tender.
  4. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen flavor.
  6. Season with:
    • Salt
    • Pepper
    • Paprika
    • Cumin
    • Oregano
    • Chili powder (optional)
  8. Add Worcestershire sauce and beef broth.
  9. Simmer until liquid reduces slightly but mixture remains moist, not dry.

Taste and adjust seasoning. The beef should be flavorful and juicy.

🧱 STEP 4 — ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE (THREE LAYERS)

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or similar.

⭐ 

Layer 1: Bottom Creamy Rice Layer

Spread half of the rice mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Smooth with a spatula.

⭐ 

Layer 2: Seasoned Beef

Spread all the cooked ground beef evenly across the rice.

Press lightly so the layers adhere.

⭐ 

Layer 3: Top Creamy Rice Layer

Spread the remaining rice mixture over the beef.

Make sure to cover everything so the cheese browns evenly later.

🧀 STEP 5 — ADD THE CHEESEY TOPPING

Sprinkle the entire surface generously with:

  • Cheddar
  • Mozzarella

You can add some Parmesan for a deeper golden crust.

The picture you posted shows a perfectly browned top, so don’t be shy with the cheese!

🔥 STEP 6 — BAKE

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes, or until:

  • Cheese is fully melted
  • Top is bubbling
  • Edges turn slightly golden

For a deeper browned crust like in your image:

🟨 Broil for 2–4 minutes

(but watch closely so it doesn’t burn!)

🍽 STEP 7 — COOL & SERVE

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

This helps it firm up into neat squares just like the image.

Serve with:

  • A small salad
  • Garlic bread
  • Steamed vegetables
  • Pickles

Or eat it exactly as it is — warm, cheesy, and filling.

💡 TIPS FOR THE BEST CASSEROLE

⭐ Prevent Dry Casserole

  • Make sure the rice mixture is creamy.
  • Do not over-cook the beef — keep it moist.
  • Add a splash of broth if needed during assembly.

⭐ Cheese Choice

Use cheese that melts well:

  • Cheddar
  • Mozzarella
  • Monterey Jack
  • Provolone

⭐ Make It Spicy

Add:

  • Chili flakes
  • Jalapeños
  • Hot paprika
  • Chipotle powder

⭐ Make It Creamier

Add cream cheese (½ cup) to the rice layer.

⭐ Add Vegetables (Optional)

Mix into the beef layer:

  • Corn
  • Peas
  • Carrots
  • Bell pepper

🧊 STORAGE & REHEATING

This casserole stores beautifully.

✔ Refrigerator

3–4 days in an airtight container.

✔ Freezer

Up to 2 months.

Wrap well in foil + plastic wrap.

✔ Reheating

Oven: 160°C (325°F) covered for 20 minutes.

Microwave: 1–2 minutes per slice.

🎉 VARIATIONS

Mexican-Style Version

  • Add taco seasoning
  • Use Mexican cheese blend
  • Top with salsa

Creamy Chicken & Rice Version

Replace beef with shredded chicken.

Vegetarian Version

Use seasoned mushrooms + lentils instead of beef.

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