Prep & Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Mix the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, uncooked rice, beef broth, both cans of soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Add the
Cheese Topping: Carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
Chef’s Notes & Variations
Veggie Boost: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms with the other ingredients before baking.
Lighter Option: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and use low-fat sour cream and cheese.
Spice It Up: Give it a Tex-Mex twist by adding a tablespoon of taco seasoning to the beef and swapping the cheddar for a Mexican blend. Top with a dollop of sour cream or salsa.
Gluten-Free: Ensure your cream soups, broth, and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave. Add a small splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy.
Freeze: This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
This effortless casserole is the ultimate weeknight hero—simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and packed with cozy, cheesy goodness. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds
