Ground Beef and Rice with Cheese Recipe

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings:

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup white rice
• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 8 slices processed cheese food (such as Velveeta)

Directions

1. In a saucepan, bring water and rice to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
2. While the rice is cooking, preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, stirring occasionally, until it is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
4. Stir in the condensed tomato soup and chili powder into the beef mixture. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through.
5. Spread 1/3 of the cooked rice into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, cover with 1/3 of the ground beef mixture. Place 2 slices of processed cheese over the beef, and then layer with 2 more layers of rice and beef.
6. Top with the remaining 6 slices of cheese, arranging them evenly over the casserole.
7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Editor's Note

We have corrected the amount of water needed to cook the rice and increased the baking dish size based on review feedback.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 882
• Total Fat: 49g (63% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 22g (108% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 142mg (47% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 2124mg (92% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 75g (27% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (13% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 21g
• Protein: 37g (74% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 125mg (139% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 387mg (30% Daily Value)
• Iron: 8mg (46% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 1071mg (23% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of the Dish

Ground Beef and Rice with Cheese is a simple, hearty casserole that combines basic pantry staples into a filling and comforting meal. The dish likely has its origins in mid-20th century American home cooking, where casseroles became a popular choice for busy families. These one-dish meals were easy to prepare, used affordable ingredients, and could feed a crowd. The combination of ground beef, rice, and cheese is reminiscent of many classic American comfort foods, such as shepherd's pie or taco casserole, which often use similar components like ground meat, starch, and cheese. As casseroles grew in popularity, home cooks began adding their own variations, like tomato soup and chili powder, to customize the flavor profile of the dish.

Regional Variations

While Ground Beef and Rice with Cheese has become a staple in American households, regional variations exist based on local preferences and available ingredients. In the Southwest, for example, cooks might add more chili powder or even jalapeos to give the dish a spicy kick. In the Midwest, the dish might be made milder with a blend of cheddar cheese and cream of mushroom soup instead of tomato soup. Some families add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or corn to the casserole, reflecting the region's agricultural abundance. Cooks in Southern states often replace the ground beef with sausage, while in the Northeast, lean turkey or ground chicken may be substituted for a lighter version.

Comparison with Similar Dishes

Ground Beef and Rice with Cheese shares similarities with other casserole dishes, such as the classic "taco casserole" and "beef stroganoff," both of which also rely on ground beef, cheese, and starch. However, the defining feature of this dish is its use of condensed tomato soup, which gives it a creamy, tangy base that sets it apart from other casseroles. The liberal use of chili powder adds a distinct flavor profile, reminiscent of chili con carne, without the need for beans. Unlike a traditional beef stroganoff, which typically features a creamy mushroom sauce, this dish is a more straightforward and less rich version of a comfort casserole.

Where It Is Typically Served

Ground Beef and Rice with Cheese is typically served in casual dining settings such as family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals. Its versatility makes it perfect for gatherings where you need to feed a large group without spending too much time in the kitchen. It is often paired with a side salad or crusty bread to balance the richness of the casserole. In some regions, particularly in the Southwest, it can even be served as a filling for tortillas or alongside a dollop of sour cream for a Tex-Mex twist. This dish also makes for excellent leftovers, as the flavors meld together and taste even better the next day.

Interesting Facts

• One of the key ingredients in this dish, Velveeta cheese, was invented in 1928 and has since become a staple in many American casseroles due to its smooth, meltable texture.
• The concept of the casserole, or "hotdish" as it is known in the Midwest, became particularly popular during the Great Depression when home cooks were looking for ways to stretch ingredients and make meals go further.
• Though this dish is commonly made with ground beef, many variations substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options like plant-based crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences.
• This dish is a great example of "comfort food," a genre of food that provides a sense of emotional well-being and nostalgia, often reminding people of home-cooked meals from their childhood.

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