Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty baked dinner made with ground beef, bacon, instant rice, cheddar soup, ranch seasoning, green onions, and cheese.
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Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon chopped
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 cup instant rice
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar soup
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 oz ranch dressing mix
- 3 cups shredded Mexican or nacho cheese blend divided
- 1 1/4 cups chopped green onions divided
- Nonstick cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the bacon until browned and crispy.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon pieces to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- Add the lean ground beef to the same skillet.
- Cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Once the ground beef is fully cooked, drain the grease from the skillet.
- Add the minced garlic to the cooked ground beef.
- Stir well and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Add the instant rice to the skillet and stir until evenly combined with the beef mixture.
- Add the condensed cheddar soup, milk, and ranch dressing mix.
- Stir until the mixture is fully combined and evenly coated.
- Add 1 cup of the shredded cheese, 1 cup of the chopped green onions, and approximately two-thirds of the cooked bacon pieces.
- Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish well with nonstick cooking spray.
- Transfer the beef and rice mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven.
- Carefully remove the aluminum foil.
- Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Sprinkle the remaining cooked bacon pieces over the cheese.
- Return the baking dish to the oven, uncovered.
- Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove the casserole from the oven.
- Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chopped green onions over the top.
- Serve warm.
Notes
To make this Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole gluten free, use a certified gluten-free condensed cheddar soup.
Confirm that the ranch dressing mix is labeled gluten free, as some packets may contain gluten-based thickeners or additives.
Use gluten-free bacon, shredded cheese, and cooking spray, and always check labels for hidden gluten ingredients.
Instant rice is naturally gluten free, but choose a certified gluten-free brand if needed for strict dietary requirements.
Prepare the casserole with clean utensils, cookware, and a clean baking dish to avoid cross-contamination.