Sour Cream Beef and Rice Casserole
This Sour Cream Beef and Rice Casserole is creamy, comforting, and easy to make—a perfect weeknight meal packed with cheesy, savory goodness!
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 1 cup instant white rice
- 1 cup water
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 can tomato sauce 8-oz
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Start by bringing 1 cup of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of instant white rice. Cover and remove from heat, letting it sit for about 5 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and begins to brown, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy.
- To the browned beef, add 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, 1 (8-oz) can of tomato sauce, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and let it simmer on low for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cottage cheese and 1 cup of sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add a delightful richness to the casserole.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the cooked rice evenly across the bottom. Next, layer the seasoned beef mixture over the rice. Then, dollop and spread the sour cream and cottage cheese blend over the beef layer.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with a golden crust forming on top.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- This casserole freezes well; assemble without baking, cover tightly, and freeze up to 3 months.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy, protein-packed variation.
- Try brown rice or quinoa instead of instant white rice for a healthier twist.
- Low-fat cottage cheese and sour cream reduce richness while maintaining flavor.