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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe Under 5 Dollars

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A quick, budget-friendly casserole combining ground beef, rice, and cheese for a creamy, comforting dinner that’s easy to prepare and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 cup (190 g) long grain white rice
  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (15 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of paprika or dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (190 g) of long grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups (480 ml) of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and water absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
  2. While rice cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste (roux) and smells slightly nutty.
  4. Slowly whisk in milk and beef broth, keeping the mixture lump-free. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove skillet from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or oregano to taste.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, browned beef mixture, and cheese sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat every grain of rice.
  7. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and spread evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  8. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

If cheese sauce is too thick before mixing, add a splash more milk to loosen. Stir gently when combining to keep rice fluffy. Drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid greasiness. Rinsing rice removes excess starch and prevents gummy texture. Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving for better texture. Broil briefly for a crispy top if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, rice casserole, budget-friendly dinner, easy weeknight meal, comfort food

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