Name: Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup uncooked white rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup milk; 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup diced onion; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

There's nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining tender beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese into a dish that's hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.

I first made this recipe on a chilly evening when I needed something quick and filling. What started as a pantry-clearing meal has now become a family favorite, earning a permanent spot in our weeknight dinner rotation. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this comforting dish!

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

Get ready to embrace your new go-to comfort food. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is easy to make, full of rich flavors, and perfect for busy nights.

First, it’s incredibly simple to put together. With just one pan and minimal prep, you can have this casserole baking in the oven in under 20 minutes. It’s ideal for those nights when time feels too short but you still want a homemade meal.

This recipe is a budget-friendly option. Using ground beef, rice, and a few pantry staples, it’s easy to feed a family of four without breaking the bank.

Another big bonus? It’s versatile! You can easily customize this casserole to suit your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand. Swap the protein, add vegetables, or adjust the seasoning to make it your own.

Finally, it’s kid-approved! The creamy texture and cheesy topping make this a dish that even picky eaters can’t resist. Serve it with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this casserole lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one is essential to creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Ground Beef: The base of the casserole, ground beef adds a hearty, savory flavor. I recommend using 85/15 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Rice: Long-grain white rice works best here, cooking up fluffy and tender. If you prefer, you can use brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version, though you may need to adjust the cooking time.

Cheese: A generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese gives this casserole its gooey, melty top layer. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp white cheddar for added depth.

Tomato Sauce: This adds moisture and a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the beef and cheese. You can substitute diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture.

Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of chili powder bring warmth and depth to the dish. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.

No special equipment is needed—just a skillet for browning the beef and a baking dish for assembling the casserole.

How To Make This Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

Creating this comforting casserole is a breeze, and I’ll guide you through each step to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and no longer pink. Use a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and season the beef with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.

Add cooked rice to the skillet, followed by tomato sauce and a splash of broth or water to keep things moist. Stir well to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly coated.

Transfer the beef and rice mixture to your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to portion.

Storage Options

Leftovers of this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole are just as delicious the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To reheat, place the casserole in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute increments until warmed through. For a crispy top, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

This casserole is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to get creative with these variations:

Swap the protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled sausage for a twist.
Add veggies: Mix in sautéed onions, bell peppers, peas, or corn for added nutrition and color.
Go spicy: Use pepper jack cheese or add a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Use different grains: Experiment with quinoa, farro, or even small pasta shapes.
Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for an extra-rich casserole.

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s forgiving and flexible. Don’t hesitate to adjust it to fit your tastes and pantry staples. Enjoy experimenting, and happy cooking!