Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Here’s the recipe for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of celery soup
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1 cup (180 g) long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (225 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, water, uncooked rice, onion powder, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper to the skillet. Mix well to combine.
3. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the mixture is bubbly.
4. Remove from the oven and uncover. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top.
5. Return to the oven and bake, uncovered, for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

Enjoy your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole!

As for popular questions and their answers, here are some potential ones:

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
   • Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
   • Yes, you can use brown rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and amount of liquid as brown rice typically requires more time and liquid to cook.
3. Can I omit the cream of mushroom and cream of celery soups?
   • While the soups add creaminess and flavor to the dish, you can try substituting them with other creamy sauces or homemade alternatives if preferred.
4. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
   • Yes, feel free to add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or carrots to the mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
5. How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
   • To make this dish gluten-free, ensure that the cream of mushroom and cream of celery soups you use are gluten-free varieties, and substitute gluten-free Worcestershire sauce if needed.
6. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply increase the baking time slightly if baking from chilled.
7. How can I make this dish spicier?
   • You can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a spicier kick.
8. Can I freeze leftovers?
   • Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
9. What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
   • This casserole pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread.
10. Can I use different types of cheese?
    • Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for a different flavor profile.

Feel free to ask if you have any more questions!