Homestyle Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering ground beef and rice casserole that promises to satisfy your deepest hunger pangs.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket over perfectly seasoned meat and fluffy grains.

Simple ingredients blend into a magical meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together without sacrificing incredible flavor.

Layers of rich beef, tender rice, and gooey cheese create a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience pure culinary comfort that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Great

• Whip Up a Weeknight Winner: This casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy families craving a hearty, comforting meal in under an hour.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add different vegetables, or experiment with cheese varieties to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and pantry staples, this recipe provides a delicious and economical dinner that feeds multiple mouths without breaking the bank.
• One-Dish Wonder: Simplify your cooking and cleanup with this all-in-one casserole that combines protein, grains, and cheese in a single baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time.

Ingredients For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty base for the casserole, provides substantial meaty flavor.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the rice and meat mixture.

• Condensed Soup, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy elements that create a luxurious, melty texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatic base that builds foundational savory notes.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Oregano: Spice blend that adds complexity and warmth to the dish.

• Uncooked Rice: Absorbs flavors and creates substantial base for the casserole.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and slight tanginess to the mixture.

• Breadcrumbs, Butter: Provides crispy, golden crust for extra texture.
• Parsley: Fresh garnish that adds color and light herbal note.

How To Cook Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Cooking Space

Warm up your oven to 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and break it apart while cooking. You’ll want the meat to look perfectly golden and crumbly. Once cooked, drain away any extra fat.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried oregano

Stir and let these ingredients dance together for a few minutes until the onions turn soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Casserole Base

• Uncooked rice
• Beef broth
• Condensed cream soup
• Diced tomatoes

Stir everything until it looks beautifully combined and smells amazing.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a gorgeous layer of meaty goodness.

Step 6: First Baking Round

Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Slide it into the oven and let it bake. For white rice, this takes about 35 minutes. If you’re using brown rice, give it closer to 45 minutes.

Step 7: Cheese Finale

Pull the casserole out and remove the foil. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the top. Return to the oven uncovered for 10 minutes until the cheese melts into a beautiful golden blanket.

Step 8: Optional Crispy Topping

For extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Scatter this mixture over the cheese before the final bake.

Step 9: Serve with Love

Grab some fresh parsley and chop it finely. Sprinkle over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s faces light up!

Helpful Tips For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Select Lean Ground Beef: Choose 90/10 or 93/7 ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier casserole without sacrificing flavor.
• Customize Rice Varieties: Swap white rice for brown rice for added nutrition, or try quinoa for a protein-packed alternative that works perfectly with the cheesy beef mixture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast rice in the skillet with beef and spices before adding liquid to develop a richer, more complex taste profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Prevent Dry Casserole: Cover tightly with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture, ensuring the rice cooks evenly and stays tender throughout the cooking process.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner prep a breeze.

Storing Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole The Right Way

• Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Properly stored, this cheesy ground beef and rice dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• When reheating, add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 350F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pro tip: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for quick and convenient meals later.

Best Pairings For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich, hearty flavors of the beef and cheese casserole. The wine's robust profile cuts through the creamy texture and enhances the dish's savory notes.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, refreshing side with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette. The salad's crispness balances the casserole's heavy, comforting warmth and adds a nutritious counterpoint to the meal.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots seasoned with herbs. These caramelized vegetables provide a delightful textural contrast and add extra nutrients to the protein-packed main dish.
• Complement with Chilled Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy amber ale or a malty lager that stands up to the casserole's rich cheese and beef flavors. The beer's carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites and adds a refreshing element to the hearty meal.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Twists

• Spicy Southwest Beef Bake: Swap paprika and oregano for cumin, chili powder, and diced green chilies. Add black beans and corn to boost flavor and nutrition. Top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
• Mediterranean Lamb Casserole: Replace ground beef with ground lamb. Use orzo instead of rice. Mix in crumbled feta cheese, diced kalamata olives, and fresh mint. Sprinkle with za'atar seasoning before serving.
• Chicken and Wild Rice Version: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken. Use a blend of wild and white rice. Add mushrooms and swap condensed soup for cream of chicken. Garnish with sliced almonds for crunch.
• Vegetarian Quinoa Casserole: Replace beef with black beans and lentils. Use quinoa instead of rice. Add roasted bell peppers and zucchini. Top with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for creamy texture.

Your Questions On Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Can I use different types of ground meat in this recipe?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work perfectly. Each option provides a unique flavor while keeping the casserole’s delicious texture.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! This casserole uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and pantry staples. It’s an economical meal that feeds a family without breaking the bank.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce when sautéing the onions and garlic. These will give the casserole a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef and rice casserole delivers comfort with melted cheese and savory flavors that inspire home-cooked memories. Gather family around this simple, satisfying meal that brings warmth and deliciousness to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Vegetables:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 small onion, diced
• ½ cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice, adjusted for cook time)
• 1 ¾ cups beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of cheddar)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained

Cheese and Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch dish with a light layer of cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. In a robust skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles until no pink remains, approximately 5-6 minutes.
3. Remove excess fat from the meat, then introduce finely chopped onions, allowing them to soften and become translucent.
4. Infuse the meat mixture with minced garlic, aromatic paprika, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
5. Incorporate uncooked rice directly into the seasoned meat mixture, creating a robust base for the casserole.
6. Pour beef broth and condensed soup into the skillet, blending thoroughly to create a rich, creamy sauce that will permeate the entire dish.
7. Gently fold in diced tomatoes, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients throughout the mixture.
8. Transfer the entire preparation to the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create a consistent layer.
9. Seal the dish tightly with aluminum foil, creating a protective barrier that will help steam and cook the rice to perfection.
10. Slide the covered casserole into a preheated oven set at 375°F, allowing it to bake for 35-45 minutes depending on rice variety.
11. Remove foil and generously sprinkle a blend of shredded cheeses across the surface, creating a golden, melted topping.
12. Optional: Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter to create a crispy, golden crust that adds textural contrast.
13. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for a final 10-minute bake, allowing the cheese to bubble and breadcrumbs to turn golden brown.
14. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor before serving this comforting one-dish meal.

Notes

• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring a fluffier and less sticky texture in the final dish.
• Select lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce grease and create a healthier version of the casserole without compromising flavor.
• Experiment with alternative proteins like ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences or restrictions.
• Toast rice briefly in the skillet with beef and spices before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness during baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg