1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Cook the Beef & Onion Mixture
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, until soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease, then stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Let simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
3️⃣ Mix & Assemble the Casserole
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Stir in the beef mixture until well combined.
- Transfer everything into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
4️⃣ Add the Cheddar Crust & Bake
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for extra color and flavor! 🌿
🍽️ How to Serve This Cheesy Casserole
✔ As a Main Dish – Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables! 🥗
✔ With a Side of Garlic Bread – Because who doesn’t love extra carbs? 🥖
✔ As a Make-Ahead Meal – Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully!
🛠️ Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Let cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
✔ Ultra-Cheesy & Flavor-Packed – The crispy cheddar crust is irresistible! 🧀
✔ One-Pan Wonder – Everything comes together in one dish! 🍲
✔ Super Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, big flavor!
✔ Great for Meal Prep & Freezing – Make ahead and enjoy all week!
This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is hearty, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors! It’s the perfect comfort food for the whole family! 🍲🧀
💬 Tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments! ⬇️✨