If you’re craving a heartwarming, soul-soothing dish that combines gooey melted cheese with savory ground beef and tender rice, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is here to steal your heart. This casserole manages to be simple, satisfying, and ridiculously delicious all at once, making it a perfect go-to for weeknight dinners or when you’re feeding a hungry crowd. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, each bite feels like a warm hug on a plate — and the best part is how easy it comes together with just a handful of everyday ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this comforting casserole is straightforward, pantry-friendly, and carefully chosen to create the ideal balance of flavors and textures. From the juicy ground beef to the creamy soup and sharp cheddar, every ingredient plays a special role in making this dish utterly irresistible.
- 1 lb ground beef: This is the hearty protein that gives the casserole its savory base and richness.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed with the beef.
- 1 cup uncooked rice: Provides a fluffy, tender bed that absorbs all the delicious juices.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds moisture and a boost of meaty flavor to cook the rice perfectly.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: This creamy element binds everything together and makes the casserole luscious and smooth.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully on top for that classic cheesy finish.
- ½ tsp garlic powder, salt & pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every bite without overpowering the natural flavors.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Brown the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 375 °F to get things ready for baking. While that’s warming up, cook your ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent. Don’t forget to drain off the excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Mix the Rice and Soup Base
In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and all the seasonings—garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will create a rich, flavorful base that ensures the rice absorbs all the goodness as it cooks inside the casserole.
Step 3: Combine and Transfer to Baking Dish
Once your beef and onion mixture is ready, pour it into the bowl with your rice mixture and gently stir to combine everything evenly. Transfer this combined mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out to create an even layer for even cooking.
Step 4: Bake Covered for 40 Minutes
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Baking covered for 40 minutes allows the rice to cook fully and absorb the broth along with those incredible beef flavors.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After 40 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown. That golden cheesy crust is pure magic.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your casserole, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top. These little pops of color not only make it look inviting but add a fresh, mild bite that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, which add a refreshing crunch and keep the meal balanced. For bread lovers, a warm crusty loaf or garlic bread on the side is hard to beat.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress up this homey dish for guests or a cozy family night, serve it in individual ramekins or use a cast iron skillet for a rustic look. You can also top it with sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream for an extra flavor twist that your dinner companions will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it perfect for lunch the next day or a simple dinner on a busy evening.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe on hand for a future meal, it freezes well before the cheese topping is added. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350 °F oven covered with foil until heated through. If you want, add a little extra cheese on top before warming for a fresh melty finish.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes a bit longer to cook, so you’ll want to increase the baking time by about 10 minutes to ensure it gets nice and tender.
What other vegetables can I add to this casserole?
Peas, corn, or diced bell peppers work beautifully and add a nice pop of color and texture. You can mix them right in with the rice mixture before baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that your beef broth doesn’t contain any gluten-containing additives. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to your seasoning mix or top the finished casserole with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy casserole that brings together simple ingredients and turns them into a comforting feast. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is more than just an easy dinner — it’s a hug in food form that your family and friends will return to again and again. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this delicious, fuss-free meal tonight!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly comforting — this easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a go-to family favorite that combines savory ground beef, tender rice, and melty cheddar cheese in a delicious one-dish meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
Other Ingredients
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time your casserole is ready to bake.
- Brown the beef and onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the meat is fully browned and the onions have softened. Drain any excess fat to keep it from being greasy.
- Combine rice and liquids: In a mixing bowl, stir together the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly mixed.
- Mix beef with rice mixture: Add the browned ground beef and onions to the rice mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the beef and rice mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through and absorb the flavors.
- Add cheese topping: Remove the casserole from the oven, uncover it, and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Final bake: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- For a healthier twist, substitute white rice with brown rice and increase baking time by 10 minutes to ensure proper cooking.
- Add peas or corn to the mixture before baking for added texture and sweetness.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve.
- Feel free to use different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main / Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
