Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort comes alive in this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly for a meal bursting with flavor and warmth.

Families adore this classic dish that transforms simple pantry staples into something extraordinary.

Rich melted cheese creates a golden crust that makes you dream about dinner.

Weeknight meals never looked more appealing or tasted more delicious.

Meat and rice mingle perfectly with creamy textures that feel like a culinary hug.

Let’s dive into a recipe that will become your new dinnertime champion.

Storage Advice For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for later enjoyment.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the oven at 350F (175C) for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Divide leftovers into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go meals or quick lunch options throughout the week.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but adjust the liquid and cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more broth.

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

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat soups, and replace some beef with diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Overview

• Craft Authentic Asian Flavors: Dive into a homemade wonton soup that brings the genuine taste of traditional Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen.
• Master Simple Culinary Techniques: Learn to fold and seal wontons with ease, developing cooking skills that impress family and friends with minimal effort.
• Create Nutritious Comfort Food: Pack your meal with protein-rich pork and shrimp, fresh vegetables like bok choy, and a warming broth that nourishes body and soul.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in less than thirty minutes, perfect for busy families seeking a delicious and satisfying dinner option.

Ingredients For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

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

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, creamy flavor and melts into a delicious golden topping.
• Cream of Cheddar Soup: Creates a smooth and cheesy texture throughout the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a classic aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the casserole.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and a subtle tangy complexity to the beef mixture.

• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the meaty flavor of the dish.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a creamy consistency.
• Rice: Serves as the main starch and absorbs the flavorful liquid during baking.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and preventing sticking.
• Foil: Covers the casserole during initial baking to retain moisture.

Preparation Instructions For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for our delicious casserole adventure.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame.

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften until fragrant and translucent.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces as it sizzles and browns.

Once cooked, drain away any excess fat to keep things light.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Worcestershire sauce

Stir everything together to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 5: Create Creamy Rice Mixture

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

Mix until well blended.

Step 6: Assemble The Casserole

Transfer the seasoned beef into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Pour the creamy rice mixture over the top and gently stir to marry the flavors.

Step 7: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until the rice becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious liquid.

Step 8: Cheese Finale

Remove the foil and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

Return to the oven uncovered for 10 more minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set, then serve up this comforting, cheesy masterpiece.

Helpful Notes For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a perfectly crisp texture.
• Opt for long-grain white rice for the best absorption of flavors and ideal consistency in the dish.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a lighter flavor profile if desired.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to boost the overall taste and bring a bright, fresh element to the casserole.
• For a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice and use zucchini noodles as a nutritious alternative.

Flavorful Twists For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Spicy Tex-Mex Casserole: Replace Worcestershire sauce with salsa, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Lamb Remix: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, mix in oregano and feta cheese, garnish with chopped parsley for a Greek-inspired version.
• Chicken and Vegetable Fusion: Use ground chicken instead of beef, incorporate mixed frozen vegetables like peas and carrots, and use cream of chicken soup for a lighter option.
• Southwest Black Bean Blend: Add black beans, corn kernels, and substitute half the rice with quinoa for a protein-packed vegetarian alternative.

Recommended Sides For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Family Movie Night Comfort Plate
• Slice casserole into hearty squares and serve with crisp green salad. Add soft garlic bread on the side for extra comfort and texture.
• Family Potluck Crowd-Pleaser
• Transfer casserole to decorative serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and chopped green onions. Bring as warm, satisfying contribution to community gatherings.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Companion
• Pair with quick roasted vegetables like broccoli or brussels sprouts. Drizzle light vinaigrette over veggies for brightness. Creates balanced meal with minimal extra preparation.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation
• Reheat individual portions in microwave. Pack in sealed container with small side salad. Perfect portable lunch option that maintains delicious flavor profile from original dinner.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty cheesy ground beef and rice casserole blends comforting Midwestern flavors with simple ingredients. Family-friendly layers of seasoned beef, tender rice, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (185 g) white rice, uncooked
• 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) cream of cheddar soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp (5 g) salt
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) paprika

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until translucent and fragrant.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, methodically breaking apart the meat while browning thoroughly. Eliminate excess grease through draining.
4. Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce, ensuring robust flavor distribution.
5. Combine uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of cheddar soup in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a creamy base.
6. Transfer seasoned beef into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour the rice mixture over top, gently mixing to integrate ingredients evenly.
7. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, then bake for 40-45 minutes until rice reaches perfect tenderness.
8. Remove foil covering, generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, and return to oven for an additional 10 minutes to achieve golden, bubbling cheese topping.
9. Allow casserole to rest and slightly cool for 5-7 minutes before serving to help set the dish and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Customize protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter alternative.
• Boost vegetable content by mixing in diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or chopped spinach during the beef cooking stage for added nutrition.
• Enhance flavor complexity by experimenting with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses for unique taste profiles.
• Make the dish gluten-free by using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 434 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 810 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg