Savory Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe for Dinner

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, creating a satisfying meal everyone craves.

Layers of seasoned beef mingle with fluffy rice and melted cheese, forming a delightful combination.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal prep work.

Simple pantry staples transform into something magical on your dinner table.

Packed with robust flavors and creamy textures, this casserole delivers pure satisfaction in every single bite.

You’ll want to savor each comforting spoonful and make this recipe a regular rotation in your meal planning.

Flavor Variations for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with lentils or black beans for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and add extra nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap paprika for chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.

Suggested Sides for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Family Comfort Platter: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete one-dish meal that warms hearts and satisfies hunger with its creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Potluck Party Star: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings where everyone will love the rich, comforting flavors and easy-to-serve format.
• Weeknight Dinner Hero: Perfect for busy families, this casserole comes together quickly and provides a filling meal that kids and adults will devour with enthusiasm.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion and store leftovers in individual containers for quick lunches or reheat for an instant satisfying dinner during hectic weekdays.

Storage Tips for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store cheesy ground beef and rice casserole in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but adjust liquid and cooking time. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer baking time to become tender.

• Is it okay to substitute ground beef with ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and makes the dish slightly leaner. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding to the casserole.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn directly into the mixture before baking. This boosts nutritional value and adds color.

• What 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.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe Overview

• Simplify Dinner Prep: One-pan wonder that transforms basic ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal kitchen effort.
• Kid-Approved Comfort Food: Combines classic flavors kids love – beef, cheese, and rice – making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family meals.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients that stretch to feed multiple people without breaking the bank, perfect for feeding hungry households.
• Versatile Weeknight Solution: Easily customizable with additional vegetables or spices, this casserole adapts to what's in your pantry and provides a complete meal in a single dish.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy, and tangy layer of melted goodness to the top of the casserole.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy texture in the dish.

• Uncooked Rice: Provides a filling and satisfying foundation for the casserole.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the rice.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy and savory sauce for the casserole.
• Onions, Garlic: Provide a classic aromatic base that enhances the overall taste.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Add essential seasoning and a subtle warmth to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, adding a subtle richness to the base.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep The Oven And Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to 375F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic.

Stir and cook until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious aroma.

Step 3: Brown The Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet.

Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until the meat turns a rich, golden brown. Carefully drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 4: Create The Flavor Base

• Uncooked rice
• Beef broth
• Milk
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Stir everything together and let it simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to start absorbing the liquid.

Step 5: Transfer And Initial Baking

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, letting the rice cook and the flavors develop.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Remove the foil and give the casserole a quick stir. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, covering the entire surface.

Step 7: Final Bake

Return the uncovered dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Success

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier casserole.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove extra starch and achieve a fluffier texture.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor complexity and aromatic depth.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different taste profile or use a homemade cream sauce for a more authentic touch.
• Consider using brown rice for added nutritional value and a nutty flavor, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly.

Quick Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines comforting midwestern flavors with simple ingredients. Home cooks can easily prepare this satisfying meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Starches and Base:

• 1 cup white rice, uncooked
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup

Dairy and Cheese:

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

Liquids:

• 1 1/2 cups beef broth

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Cooking Oil:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of grease.
2. In a large skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until translucent and fragrant.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbles and cooking until completely browned. Carefully drain any accumulated fat.
4. Incorporate uncooked rice, beef broth, milk, cream of mushroom soup, and seasonings into the meat mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
5. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, ensuring all components are well integrated and heated through.
6. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, which helps the rice absorb liquid and become tender.
8. Remove the foil, gently stir the casserole to redistribute moisture, and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top.
9. Return the uncovered dish to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbly surface.
10. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor.
• Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and to avoid mushy results.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack or pepper jack for added complexity and personalized taste.
• Consider low-sodium broth and reduced-fat dairy options to make this recipe more diet-friendly without compromising deliciousness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 414 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 740 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: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg