Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 pound ground beef (lean preferred, 85/15 or 90/10)
02 - 1 small onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cups cooked white rice (from about 3/4 cup uncooked)
04 - 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
05 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (1 1/2 cups for mixing, 1/2 cup for topping)
06 - 1/2 cup milk

→ Seasonings

07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
10 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set aside.
02 - Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned and the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease from the pan.
03 - Return the drained beef and onion mixture to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the meat mixture. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to become fragrant.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Add the seasoned beef and onion mixture to the bowl. Stir everything together until all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.
05 - Pour the mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Make sure the surface is level for even cooking and presentation.
06 - Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a delicious golden cheese crust as it bakes.
07 - Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout and the cheese on top is melted and just beginning to turn golden around the edges.
08 - For an extra crispy, golden cheese topping, switch your oven to the broiler setting for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking time. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
09 - Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the casserole to set up slightly, making it easier to serve in neat portions. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.

# Notes:

01 - This versatile casserole can be customized with different cream soups, proteins, or vegetables to suit your family's preferences or use what you have on hand.
02 - For best results, cook your rice slightly al dente (with a little bite) since it will continue cooking in the oven.
03 - This is a perfect make-ahead dish that can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.
04 - Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and taste even better as the flavors continue to meld together.

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