Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

The aroma of savory ground beef mingling with gooey cheese and perfectly cooked rice is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole brings together humble ingredients to create a hearty, comforting meal that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. A true one-dish wonder, this casserole combines protein, carbs, and vegetables in a delicious package that’s both economical and filling. You’ll learn how to create a perfectly balanced casserole with a golden, bubbly cheese topping that your family will request again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution when you need something substantial yet simple. The combination of seasoned ground beef with fluffy rice creates a satisfying texture contrast that makes every bite interesting. What makes this dish truly special is how it transforms basic pantry staples into something extraordinary. The rice soaks up all the savory flavors from the beef and seasonings, while the cheese creates a stretchy, gooey topping that forms an irresistible golden crust when baked.

This beef and rice bake is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it based on what vegetables you have on hand. It’s also a budget-friendly option that stretches a modest amount of ground beef into a meal that can feed a crowd. Perhaps best of all, this casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches. When life gets hectic, having this ground beef casserole recipe in your repertoire means you’re always just one dish away from a complete, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (454g) lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 1 cup (200g) uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz/298g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas and carrots
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The heart of this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the combination of lean ground beef and rice. Using lean ground beef (85-90% lean) provides flavor without excessive grease. The condensed soup creates a creamy base, while the beef broth ensures the rice cooks perfectly within the casserole. For the cheese, a medium or sharp cheddar will provide the best flavor, though a Mexican blend or Colby Jack would work wonderfully too.

Pro Tips

Use Properly Prepared Rice: While the rice cooks in the casserole, rinsing it first removes excess starch and prevents your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole from becoming gummy. For an even more flavorful dish, try toasting the rice in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the casserole – this simple step adds a nutty dimension to the final dish.

Brown the Beef Properly: Take your time when browning the ground beef, allowing it to develop a deep caramelization. This creates the foundational flavor for the entire casserole. Break the beef into small, consistent pieces while cooking for the best texture throughout the dish. Draining excess fat after browning is crucial – it prevents the casserole from becoming greasy while allowing the clean flavors of the seasonings to shine through.

Perfect Your Cheese Strategy: Instead of mixing all the cheese into the casserole, use a two-stage approach. Mix half the cheese into the beef and rice mixture, where it will melt into pockets of gooey goodness. Reserve the other half for topping the casserole during the final 15 minutes of baking. This creates that coveted stretchy, golden cheese crust that makes this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole irresistible. For an extra-golden top, switch the oven to broil for the final 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This preparation ensures your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole won’t stick and will heat evenly throughout.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Break it into small pieces as it cooks using a wooden spoon. When the beef is about halfway cooked, add the diced onion and continue cooking until the onion is translucent.

Step 3: Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. The vegetables should soften slightly but maintain some texture for the final dish.

Step 4: Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then return it to the heat. Season the beef mixture with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring to coat evenly.

Step 5: Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it’s well distributed throughout the meat mixture. This allows the rice to begin absorbing flavors before it even starts cooking in the liquid.

Step 6: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Pour this mixture over the beef and rice in the skillet, stirring gently to combine.

Step 7: Add the frozen peas and carrots and 1 cup of the shredded cheese to the skillet, stirring until everything is evenly distributed. The frozen vegetables will cook perfectly during baking without becoming mushy.

Step 8: Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Cover tightly with aluminum foil – this traps steam and ensures the rice cooks properly.

Step 9: Bake covered for 45 minutes, then remove from oven and carefully take off the foil. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top of the casserole, then return to the oven, uncovered, for 15 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10: Let the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve in neat portions. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before bringing it to the table.

Variations

Mexican-Style Beef and Rice Casserole: Transform your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole into a south-of-the-border fiesta by swapping the Italian seasoning for 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Replace the cream of mushroom soup with a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Add a can of black beans (drained and rinsed) and some corn kernels for authentic Mexican flair. Top with sliced avocado, sour cream, and cilantro before serving.

Healthier Whole Grain Version: For a more nutritious spin on this comfort food classic, substitute brown rice for white rice (note that you’ll need to increase the baking time by about 15-20 minutes). Use ground turkey instead of beef to reduce fat content, and boost the vegetable content by adding grated zucchini, spinach, or kale. Consider using reduced-fat cheese or reducing the amount slightly. These modifications maintain the comforting essence of the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole while incorporating more whole foods.

Storage and Serving

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, portion the cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers, where it will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Individual portions can be microwaved for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

For serving, pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. A side of steamed green beans or broccoli adds color and nutrition to the plate. For a complete comfort food experience, serve with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal trains for friends in need of a comforting home-cooked meal.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish.

Can I use minute rice or pre-cooked rice in this recipe?
Instant or minute rice is not recommended as it will become mushy in this recipe. If using pre-cooked rice, reduce the liquid (broth and milk) by half and decrease the baking time to about 30 minutes.

My rice didn’t cook completely. What went wrong?
This typically happens if the casserole wasn’t covered tightly enough with foil, allowing steam to escape. Make sure your baking dish is sealed well during the initial cooking phase, and verify your oven temperature is accurate.

Can I use a different cream soup?
Absolutely! Cream of chicken or cream of celery work wonderfully in this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole recipe.

Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, you can use dairy-free milk, dairy-free cheese alternatives, and cream of mushroom soup that doesn’t contain milk (some brands offer this). The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a satisfying one-dish meal that combines savory ground beef, tender rice, and gooey cheese in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable family meals, bringing everyone together around the table. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family, meal prepping for busy days ahead, or simply craving something hearty and comforting, this casserole delivers satisfaction in every bite. From its budget-friendly ingredients to its make-ahead convenience, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation.

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