If you're searching for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s easy to throw together and sure to please a hungry crowd, this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is your answer!
Creamy, cheesy, hearty, and packed with beefy flavor, this casserole brings the perfect balance of textures with a rich, tender filling and a golden, crunchy cheddar cheese crust. It's a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day — ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for busy weeks.

This recipe is wonderfully versatile too. With simple pantry ingredients and loads of melty cheese, it’s no wonder casseroles like this have stood the test of time!

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Ingredients (in grams)

For the Beef and Rice Filling:

• 450 g ground beef (preferably 85% lean)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (100 g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (6 g)
• 180 g uncooked long-grain white rice
• 480 g beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 120 g sour cream
• 100 g canned diced tomatoes, drained
• 80 g frozen peas (optional)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (2 g)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (5 g)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (1 g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (1 g)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (1 g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 g)

For the Cheddar Crust:

• 200 g shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (15 g)
• 20 g breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Rice Base

1. Cook the beef:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking the beef apart with a spoon, until the meat is browned and the onion is soft (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Add flavorings:
   Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Simmer the rice:
   Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the beef and spices. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
4. Finish the filling:
   Remove from heat. Stir in the sour cream and frozen peas (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

5. Layer it up:
   Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) casserole dish. Spread the beef and rice mixture evenly into the dish.
6. Add the cheddar crust:
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Drizzle with melted butter. For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle a light layer of breadcrumbs on top.

Step 3: Bake and Serve

7. Bake:
   Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
8. Serve:
   Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

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Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg

(Values can vary depending on the exact brands and optional ingredients used.)

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Tips and Tricks

• Rice Options: You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and broth slightly.
• Make it spicy: Add 1 finely chopped jalapeño with the onions for a spicy kick, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef.
• Veggie boost: Add chopped bell peppers, corn, or spinach to the beef mixture for extra vegetables.
• Freezer friendly: Prepare the casserole completely, cool it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 180°C (350°F) covered with foil for about 45 minutes.
• Cheese variations: Try a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy topping.

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My Special Addition to Your Website 🌟

Why your readers will love this casserole:
It’s a one-dish wonder that delivers on comfort, convenience, and crave-worthy flavor. Perfect for busy families, this recipe is easy to customize based on what you have in your fridge. Plus, casseroles are a timeless favorite — and adding something as irresistible as a cheddar crust makes this version even more special!

For an even more interactive website experience, consider offering your readers ideas like "Make It a Meal" suggestions: pairing this casserole with a simple green salad or roasted broccoli for a balanced dinner.