Cheesy Beef and Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines hearty ground beef, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy rice, all smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce. This dish is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week. Topped with extra shredded cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions, it offers both creamy and crunchy textures in every bite. The casserole is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and loved by both kids and adults alike.

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Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (about 1 cup uncooked)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk (or broth for a lighter version)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the beef)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for extra umami)
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (extra for topping)
• 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

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Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Rice

If you haven’t cooked the rice already, prepare 2 cups of cooked rice (white or brown) according to package instructions. Set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the beef as it cooks and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This adds an aromatic base to the casserole.

Step 4: Add Broccoli

Stir in the broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the broccoli begins to soften. If using frozen broccoli, you may want to thaw it beforehand to reduce cooking time. If the broccoli is still firm, don’t worry—it will continue to cook in the oven.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup, milk, and soy sauce (if using). Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce. This creates a creamy, cheesy mixture that will coat the rice, beef, and broccoli perfectly.

Step 6: Combine with Rice

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked rice. Mix everything together so the rice is well coated with the cheese sauce and the beef and broccoli are evenly distributed.

Step 7: Transfer to Casserole Dish

Transfer the cheesy beef, broccoli, and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure every bite gets an equal amount of filling.

Step 8: Add Extra Cheese and Crispy Topping

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Then, evenly distribute the crispy fried onions on top of the cheese. This gives the casserole a beautiful crunchy finish that contrasts with the creamy filling.

Step 9: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the fried onions are golden brown. If you prefer a more golden and crispy top, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

Step 10: Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for a pop of color (optional).

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Cooking Notes:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based protein or mushrooms for a meatless version.
• Rice Options: Use any rice variety you prefer, such as jasmine, basmati, or wild rice. You can also use leftover rice to make this recipe even quicker!
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just bake when ready to serve.

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Serving Suggestions:

This Cheesy Beef and Broccoli Rice Casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can pair it with a few sides to make it a complete meal:

• Green Salad: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or dinner rolls to scoop up the cheesy goodness.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed or roasted veggies like carrots or green beans add extra nutrition and color to the meal.

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Tips:

• Meal Prep-Friendly: This casserole is great for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge and can be reheated throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze this casserole before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. To freeze after baking, let the casserole cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Customizable: You can easily customize this casserole by adding your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, spinach, or cauliflower. If you want extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese into the mixture.

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Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

45 minutes

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Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 28g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 30g

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)

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Conclusion:

Cheesy Beef and Broccoli Rice Casserole is a flavorful, filling dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the nutritious crunch of broccoli and the heartiness of ground beef. The crispy fried onion topping adds an irresistible crunch, making this casserole a family favorite for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. With minimal effort and ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, this is a go-to recipe for anyone looking for comfort food that satisfies. Plus, it’s versatile enough to tweak to your taste!

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