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).