The Best Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe Ever

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering cheesy ground beef and rice casserole that promises to become your new weeknight dinner champion.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly into a satisfying one-dish meal bursting with flavor.

Melted cheese creates a golden, irresistible crust that beckons everyone to the table.

Home cooks adore how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal preparation.

Simple pantry staples transform into a crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug.

Families will devour every single bite of this delectable casserole that balances protein, grains, and gooey cheese perfectly.

You won’t be able to resist serving seconds of this incredibly delicious meal.

Ingredients for Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that forms the base of this comforting casserole.

• Rice: A soft and fluffy grain that provides a satisfying texture and helps bind the casserole together.

• Beef Broth, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: These ingredients create a rich and creamy sauce that adds moisture and depth of flavor to the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall taste profile and provide a savory foundation for the dish.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A melty and tangy cheese that adds a golden, crispy layer to the top of the casserole.

• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the casserole during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Directions for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for our delicious casserole.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s beautifully browned.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Sauté Onions

Toss in diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 4: Create The Casserole Mix

• Cooked ground beef
• Cooked rice
• Beef broth
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until well blended.

Step 5: Prepare The Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface.

Step 7: First Baking Round

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, letting all the flavors mingle.

Step 8: Final Cheese Melt

Remove the foil and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, then serve up this comforting meal that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Tips for Creamy and Cheesy Casserole

• Remove as much fat as possible to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme or oregano to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Use long-grain rice for better separation and fluffiness, avoiding mushy or clumpy results in the casserole.
• Let the casserole sit for a few extra minutes after removing from oven to allow cheese to set and create a more appealing golden-brown top.
• Replace beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.

Variations to Try on Beef and Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains the casserole's hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Mexican Style: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning to give the casserole a zesty southwestern kick.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice and use a low-carb cream soup to create a lighter, keto-friendly version of the classic casserole.

Serving Suggestions for Beef and Rice Casserole

• Comfort Food Companions: Crunchy green salad adds fresh contrast to the rich casserole, balancing out creamy textures.
• Hearty Side Kick: Roasted seasonal vegetables like broccoli or carrots complement the beef and rice dish, boosting nutritional value.
• Zesty Topping Twist: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and mild herb flavor that brightens the entire meal.
• Bread Buddy: Warm garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls provide perfect sauce-soaking potential and complete the cozy dinner experience.

Storing Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• What can I do if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?

You can replace it with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and milk as a substitute.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn to the beef mixture to increase the nutritional value and add more color to the casserole.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole: Family Favorite

• Whip Up a Comforting Meal: This casserole delivers pure comfort food magic with minimal effort, combining hearty ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese in one delicious dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Dinner: Perfect for picky eaters and hungry families, this recipe satisfies everyone's taste buds with its classic, universally loved ingredients.
• Customize with Ease: Swap out ingredients like using ground turkey, adding different vegetables, or experimenting with cheese varieties to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple preparation make this casserole a go-to option for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated steps.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ground beef and rice casserole brings comfort to dinner tables with its hearty, cheesy goodness. Melted cheese, seasoned meat, and fluffy rice combine in one satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef

Grains:

• 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk

Liquid and Soup:

• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal casserole preparation.
2. Sauté ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until completely browned, eliminating excess fat.
3. Incorporate diced onions into the meat, cooking until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
4. Blend the cooked beef mixture with rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring thorough and even distribution.
5. Carefully transfer the combined mixture into a pre-greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
6. Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface of the casserole, creating a complete cheese coverage.
7. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to cook thoroughly.
8. Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling topping.
9. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5 minutes, enabling the ingredients to set and making serving easier and more manageable.

Notes

• Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative.
• Enhance nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or spinach to boost vegetable content and create a more balanced meal.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like monterey jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses to create different flavor profiles and add exciting texture to the casserole.
• Prepare ahead by assembling the casserole in advance and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg