🐄 Slow Cooker Beef & Cheddar Rice Casserole
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours on HIGH or 6–7 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 4–7 hours
Serves: 6–8
🧀 Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice (NOT instant rice)
2 ½ cups beef broth (plus extra if needed)
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)
Salt & pepper to taste
Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)
🔧 Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned and cooked through. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Drain any excess grease.
Shortcut: You can skip pre-cooking the beef, but browning it first adds flavor and removes excess fat.
2. Mix Everything in the Slow Cooker
To your greased slow cooker, add:
Cooked beef mixture
Uncooked rice
Beef broth
Cheddar cheese soup
Cream of mushroom soup
Worcestershire sauce
Paprika (if using)
Salt & pepper to taste
Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir once or twice during cooking if possible.
Tip: All slow cookers are a little different—check around the 3-hour mark to ensure the rice doesn’t overcook or get too dry. If needed, add a splash more broth.
4. Add the Cheese
About 10–15 minutes before serving, stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup on top, cover, and let it melt.
5. Serve It Up
Scoop into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve with a side salad, steamed veggies, or just on its own for a full meal.
🔄 Variations & Tips
Add veggies: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or chopped broccoli during the last hour of cooking.
Spice it up: Add diced green chiles, taco seasoning, or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
Make it Tex-Mex: Swap cheddar cheese soup for nacho cheese or use a Mexican cheese blend.
Want a crunch? Top with crushed Ritz crackers or French-fried onions before serving.
🧡 Why You’ll Love It
This casserole is the definition of comfort food meets convenience—savory beef, creamy cheese, and tender rice all slow-cooked into one glorious dish. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and absolutely satisfying.