Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is comfort food at its finest. Picture a cozy evening where you gather around the table with family or friends, enjoying a hearty dish that combines rich ground beef, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice all in one. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something satisfying yet simple to prepare. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing for tweaks to fit your family’s taste. Trust me, this dish will leave you and your loved ones feeling warm and fulfilled.

Why You’ll Love Making It

What makes Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole such a winner? This one-pan meal comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for hectic evenings. It’s budget-friendly, too, especially when you can utilize pantry staples like rice and canned soup. Even the pickiest eaters tend to dig in happily, thanks to the ooey-gooey cheese and savory meat.

"This casserole has become a weekly staple in our home! The kids love it, and it’s so easy to prepare."

Why You Should Reimagine Your Dinner: Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or a simple night in, this casserole is sure to impress. Just preheat the oven, and let it do the cooking for you!

Preparing Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Creating this delicious dish is straightforward and requires just a few simple steps. You start by browning the beef, then mix everything together in a baking dish. It’s that easy! You’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time, which means more time enjoying your meal.

What You’ll Need

To prepare this cheesy delight, gather the following ingredients:

New Ebook

🍰 30 Easy No-Bake Desserts

A delicious collection of no-bake treats you can make anytime, including:

• ✨ Chocolate lovers’ dreams – fudgy bars, truffles & mousse
• 🍓 Fruity delights – creamy parfaits, lemon & mango desserts
• 🥜 Nutty & indulgent – peanut butter & pistachio bites
• 🍋 Citrus & refreshing – lemon, orange creamsicle & key lime
• 🍪 Classic favorites – icebox cakes & cookie dough cups

👉 Get the Ebook

Instant digital download • Secure checkout via Gumroad

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1/2 cup milk or beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Note: You can easily substitute the cream of mushroom soup with your favorite cream soup for a different flavor profile!

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion. Drain excess fat once the meat is nicely browned and the onion is tender.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
5. Assemble the casserole: In your greased baking dish, mix the cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Ensure everything is well combined.
6. Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Finish baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. For a crispy cheese top, broil for an extra 2 minutes.
8. Serve: If desired, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch and serve hot.

Best Way to Serve

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a meal in itself, but you can elevate your dining experience with some thoughtful pairings. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables for a pop of color on the plate. If you’re in the mood for a heartier option, garlic bread is a delightful choice that complements the dish beautifully.

Storage Tips

Leftovers? No problem! To keep your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole fresh, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can freeze it before baking. Just ensure it’s well covered and can last up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Expert Advice

For even better results, try using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-packaged for a creamier texture. Additionally, don’t shy away from experimenting with herbs like thyme or basil mixed into the filling for an extra layer of flavor. If you want to save time, you can also cook the rice ahead of time!

Creative Twists

While this recipe is a classic, here are a few variations to keep things exciting:

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a spicy twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for black beans and add a mix of your favorite veggies like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Cheese Lovers Delight: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack for heat, or a blend of mozzarella for a luscious melt.

Your Questions Answered

1. What is the prep time for this casserole?
Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, and total cooking time is around 30-40 minutes.

2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it a day in advance and bake it just before serving.

3. How do I safely store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months.

With this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, you’ll have a meal that not only feeds the belly but also nourishes the soul. Enjoy!

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

---

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A hearty casserole combining ground beef, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1/2 cup milk or beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion. Drain excess fat once the meat is browned and the onion is tender.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
5. In your greased baking dish, mix the cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Ensure everything is well combined.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. For a crispy cheese top, broil for an extra 2 minutes.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. For a creamier texture, use freshly grated cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, beef, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy