Description
Crazy good casserole brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables with its rich, cheesy layers of pure deliciousness. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a mouthwatering experience that welcomes you to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
Starch/Binding Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 package egg noodles
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Seasonings and Extras:
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains and a rich golden crust develops.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and slightly caramelized, releasing their aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Mix in cream of mushroom soup and milk, creating a creamy and cohesive sauce that coats the beef and vegetables completely.
- Layer cooked rice as the first foundation in the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom for a sturdy base.
- Carefully spread the seasoned beef mixture over the rice, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain and arrange them as the next layer atop the beef.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the noodles, creating a melty, golden blanket.
- Melt butter and combine with breadcrumbs, then scatter this crispy topping across the entire casserole surface.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and the breadcrumbs turn a rich golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld and casserole to set.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Customize protein options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and limiting added salt during seasoning.
- Enhance nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini into the beef mixture.
- Simplify preparation by using pre-cooked rice or rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time and complexity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg