If you’re craving a comforting dish that’s packed with creamy, savory goodness, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Sour Cream Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe. This hearty casserole combines tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a luscious sour cream mixture that creates a perfect creamy texture, all topped with melted cheddar cheese that adds a beautiful golden finish. It’s one of those meals that instantly feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something fuss-free yet incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this casserole is delightfully simple, but each item plays a crucial role in building those rich layers of flavor and textures. From the creamy dairy to the savory seasonings, everything comes together to create a balanced and hearty dish.
- 1½ cups instant white rice: Provides a fluffy, tender base that soaks up all the sauce perfectly.
- 1½ cups water: Essential for cooking the rice to just the right consistency.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds a rich, meaty backbone without too much fat.
- â…› tsp ground black pepper: Gives a gentle kick to balance the richness.
- ½ tsp garlic salt: Enhances the beef with a subtle garlicky depth.
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce: Brings a mild acidity and moisture to the beef mixture.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and adds a tangy complexity.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: A creamy, slightly tangy ingredient that keeps the casserole moist and rich.
- 1 cup sour cream: The star of the dish that infuses a luscious creaminess and subtle tang.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to top the casserole with gooey, golden goodness.
How to Make Sour Cream Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by bringing the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the instant white rice, cover it, and remove the pan from heat. Let it sit for about five minutes so the rice can absorb all the water and become perfectly tender and fluffy. This step sets the foundation for your casserole.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the rice is resting, brown the lean ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy, then return the beef to the pan. This ensures a lean, flavorful base without overwhelming heaviness.
Step 3: Build the Meat Sauce
Season the browned beef with ground black pepper and garlic salt, then stir in the tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer gently for five minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully into a rich and savory sauce that will coat every bite.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Layer
In a separate bowl, combine the cooked rice, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Mixing these creamy ingredients with the fluffy rice creates a luscious, tangy layer that contrasts perfectly with the meaty sauce. This combination is what really elevates this casserole above the ordinary.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Lightly spray a 9×9-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread the rice and cream mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish, then top it with the savory meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole. Bake at 350ºF for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling with a gorgeous golden crust.
How to Serve Sour Cream Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top right after baking to add a pop of color and a subtle herbal freshness. A dollop of extra sour cream on the side can also complement the creamy tang perfectly when serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The freshness and crunch from the sides balance the richness of the casserole and create a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation, or layer the casserole with additional vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor complexity and color variety. Adding a sprinkle of paprika or smoked paprika before baking can also add a subtle smoky kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Sour Cream Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe by wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil or storing it in a freezer-safe container. It will maintain the best quality for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF for about 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through, which helps preserve the creamy texture and prevents sogginess. Alternatively, a microwave works well for speedy reheating—just cover with a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of instant white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds more fiber and a nuttier flavor, but it will require a longer cooking time and may change the texture slightly. Be sure to cook it fully before assembling the casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. The flavors and creaminess from the sour cream and cheese still make it hearty and delicious.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a great swap, as it offers a similar creamy texture without changing the flavor profile much.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it, and keep it refrigerated. When ready to eat, just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, usually between 20 to 25 minutes. If your oven runs hot, keep an eye on it after 15 minutes to prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
This Sour Cream Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe has a way of becoming a go-to comfort food that you’ll keep coming back to again and again. Its creamy mix of flavors, simple ingredients, and straightforward preparation make it an absolute winner for any occasion. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become one of your favorite easy casseroles to cozy up with on any night. So go on, give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Sour Cream Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sour Cream Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal combining tender ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with creamy cottage cheese and sour cream mixed into fluffy instant rice, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked to perfection. It’s a quick and easy recipe ideal for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Rice and Dairy Mixture
- 1½ cups instant white rice
- 1½ cups water
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Beef Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- â…› tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF to ensure it’s ready when you assemble the casserole.
- Cook Rice: Bring 1½ cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the instant white rice, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of lean ground beef. Once browned, drain off any excess fat, then return the beef to the skillet.
- Add Seasonings and Simmer: To the beef, add ⅛ teaspoon of ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic salt, 1 can (8 ounces) of tomato sauce, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to develop flavor.
- Mix Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream and Rice: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with 1 cup cottage cheese and 1 cup sour cream, stirring until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly spray a 9×9-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Spread the rice and dairy mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the rice layer.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta for a smoother texture if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add chopped onions or bell peppers when browning the beef.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef sauce.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated; just increase baking time slightly if baked from cold.
- Instant rice cooks quickly, but be sure to let it sit covered off the heat as directed to avoid mushy texture.
