Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe: Family-Favorite Comfort

Comfort arrives with this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole that promises warm, satisfying flavors every single time.

Hearty ingredients meld together in a delightful symphony of taste and texture.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions that families can enjoy together.

Kitchen magic happens when ground beef, melted cheese, and fluffy rice combine into one irresistible dish.

Creamy and rich, this casserole brings nostalgia and happiness to the dinner table.

Layers of savory goodness await you in every single bite.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor this ultimate comfort meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole You’ll Crave

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Create a hearty meal that brings everyone together with rich, cheesy flavors and satisfying ground beef goodness.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Throw ingredients into a single skillet and baking dish, making dinner preparation super simple with minimal cleanup required.
• One-Pan Wonder: Transform basic ingredients into a complete meal that combines protein, carbs, and cheese in one delicious casserole perfect for busy families.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Use affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and pantry staples to craft a delicious dinner that won't break the bank while feeding multiple hungry mouths.

Ingredients for Beef and Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese (Shredded): Adds a rich, melty topping that creates a golden and delicious finish.
• Cream of Cheddar Soup: Brings a creamy and cheesy element to the casserole.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides a smooth and savory sauce that enhances the overall flavor.

• Rice (Uncooked): Serves as the primary starch that absorbs the delicious liquid and creates a satisfying texture.

• Onion (Diced), Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Add depth and aromatic flavors to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Provide essential seasoning that balances and enhances the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the onions and prevent sticking.
• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the meaty flavor of the casserole.

• Foil: Used for covering and protecting the casserole during initial baking.

How to Cook Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) to get ready for this delicious meal.

Step 2: Sizzle The Onions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s nicely browned.

Carefully drain away any extra grease to keep the dish light.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Stir everything together to blend the spices perfectly.

Step 5: Create The Creamy Mixture

• Cooked beef
• Uncooked rice
• Beef broth
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of cheddar soup

Mix everything until well combined.

Step 6: Prepare The Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread it out evenly so every bite is delicious.

Step 7: First Baking Round

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

This helps the rice cook and flavors meld together.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Topping

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese all over the top.

Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Let It Rest

Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving.

This helps it set and makes cutting easier.

Tips for Beef and Rice Casserole Success

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
• Replace white rice with brown rice for added nutrition and fiber boost.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Add frozen mixed vegetables like peas and carrots to increase nutritional value and create a complete one-dish meal.
• Use low-sodium beef broth and soups to control salt intake for those watching their sodium consumption.

Flavor Variations on Beef and Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based meat substitute, maintaining same seasoning and cooking method.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version that keeps the cheesy, savory profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream soups and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Mexican-Inspired Variation: Add diced green chiles, swap paprika for chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a spicier southwestern flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings for Beef and Rice Casserole

• Comforting Family Feast: Gather everyone around the table and enjoy this hearty casserole as a complete meal with love and warmth.
• Weeknight Wellness Bowl: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add nutritional variety.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Transport this dish in a covered carrier for gatherings, where its bubbling cheese and savory aroma will make you the star of the community meal.
• Leftover Lunch Remix: Reheat individual portions the next day for a satisfying midday meal that tastes even more delicious after the flavors have melded overnight.

Proper Storage for Beef and Rice Casserole

• Refrigerate in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
• Store for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep the casserole whole or portion into individual servings.
• Use shallow containers to help cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer baking time to become tender.

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

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time.

• What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken soup works great as an alternative. You can also use cream of celery soup for a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.

Best Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty cheesy ground beef and rice casserole brings comfort to dinner tables with its rich, satisfying layers. Melted cheese and seasoned beef combine perfectly over fluffy rice, creating a simple yet delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Starches:

• 1 cup white rice, uncooked
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Dairy and Soups:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of cheddar soup
• 2 cups beef broth

Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, sautéing diced onions until translucent and soft.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbles and cooking until completely browned. Drain any accumulated fat.
4. Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika, stirring to distribute spices evenly.
5. Transfer the seasoned beef to a large mixing bowl and combine with uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of cheddar soup. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are well incorporated.
6. Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure even cooking.
7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and become tender.
8. Remove the foil and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface of the casserole.
9. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, allowing the ingredients to set before serving.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by using freshly minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a more robust taste profile.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that works perfectly for different dietary needs.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent a sticky texture, ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy.
• Add a crispy breadcrumb topping by mixing panko crumbs with melted butter and sprinkling over the cheese for extra texture and golden-brown crunch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 416 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1067 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg