Texas-Style Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole: A Taste of Home!

Photo byNaomi Madison

In the heart of Texas, where everything is done bigger and bolder, comfort food reigns supreme. There’s one dish that brings families together with its warmth and rich flavor – the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. This savory casserole, with its melt-in-your-mouth cheese, flavorful ground beef, and hearty vegetables, is a perfect meal for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing option at a family gathering. Texans have a long-standing love for casseroles, blending together simple ingredients to create something special, and this one is no exception.

A Taste of Texas in Every Bite
Texans are known for their love of bold, comforting food, and this casserole fits right in with the state's culinary traditions. Ground beef is a staple in many homes across Texas, often used in everything from tacos to burgers, and this recipe takes that beloved ingredient to new heights by combining it with creamy soup, sharp cheddar cheese, and perfectly cooked rice. The addition of Italian seasoning, paprika, and garlic gives the dish a subtle kick of flavor that’s sure to satisfy.

Recipe: Texas-Style Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of celery soup
• 1 ½ cups beef stock
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup instant rice
• 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 10 minutes. Drain the excess grease.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then remove the skillet from heat.
4. Add the cream of celery soup, beef stock, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Stir in the instant rice and frozen mixed vegetables, ensuring everything is evenly mixed. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with nonstick foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
7. For an extra burst of flavor, remove the foil and broil for a few minutes to lightly brown the cheese.
8. Garnish with fresh or dried parsley if desired and serve hot!

A Comforting Classic
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole isn’t just a meal – it’s a slice of home, bringing warmth and comfort to every table it graces. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy dinner at home or serving it at a large family gathering, this casserole has the heart and soul of Texas in every bite. The melted cheddar, seasoned beef, and perfectly cooked rice come together to create a dish that’s filling, flavorful, and sure to be a favorite.

Texans know that the secret to great food is simplicity combined with a love for hearty, home-cooked meals, and this casserole brings those traditions to life. It’s a dish that’s easy to make but hard to forget, leaving everyone coming back for more.

Sources for the recipe:
Beef stock and ground beef guidance
Cooking casseroles and baking tips
Cheese pairing and casserole ideas