Name: Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup white rice, uncooked; 1 ½ cups beef broth; 1 cup milk; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp paprika; 1 tbsp olive oil

There's nothing quite like a warm, hearty casserole straight from the oven, filling your kitchen with rich, cheesy aromas. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce into a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

I first discovered this recipe when searching for a way to use up leftover rice, and it quickly became a family favorite. With minimal prep and a hands-off baking process, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish!

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

Get ready to add this casserole to your regular dinner rotation! It’s one of those recipes that checks all the boxes—easy, cheesy, and incredibly delicious.

First, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning fewer dishes to clean up. Everything bakes together in a single dish, making it ideal for nights when you don’t want to spend extra time in the kitchen.

This casserole is also budget-friendly. It uses simple pantry staples like ground beef, rice, and cheese, so you don’t have to break the bank to make a comforting homemade meal.

If you have picky eaters in the house, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of creamy sauce, melty cheese, and savory beef makes it a dish that both kids and adults will love.

Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand—swap the protein, add veggies, or adjust the cheese to suit your taste.

Now, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole comes from its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that creamy, cheesy perfection.

Ground beef is the star of this dish, bringing hearty flavor and texture. I recommend using lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to avoid excess grease while still keeping the meat juicy. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works just as well.

Rice is the base that soaks up all the delicious flavors. Long-grain white rice works best, as it stays fluffy and absorbs the sauce beautifully. If using brown rice, remember that it takes longer to cook, so adjust the baking time accordingly.

Cheese is what makes this casserole extra indulgent. I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but a blend of cheddar and mozzarella creates the perfect gooey texture. For an extra kick, try adding pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese.

Cream of mushroom soup adds richness and creaminess to the dish. You can also use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if that’s what you have on hand. Want to skip the canned soup? Make a homemade version with a simple roux, broth, and milk.

For seasoning, a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper enhances the flavors. You can also throw in some Italian seasoning or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.

Before we get cooking, make sure you have a 9x13-inch baking dish and a large skillet for browning the beef. Now, let’s put it all together!

How To Make This Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

Making this casserole is incredibly simple. With just a few easy steps, you'll have a delicious, bubbling dish ready to serve.

Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If needed, drain any excess grease before moving on.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, half of the shredded cheese, and seasonings. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and pour the mixture in, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish with foil to trap moisture and help the rice cook evenly.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing easier. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.

This dish is best enjoyed hot, with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Now, let’s talk about how to store any leftovers!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), this casserole stores beautifully for easy meals later.

For refrigeration, allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For freezing, portion the casserole into individual servings and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, place a portion in the microwave and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through. If reheating a larger portion, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

This casserole is incredibly adaptable—here are some ways to make it your own!

Switch the Protein – Try using ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor. Leftover shredded rotisserie chicken also works well.

Make it Spicy – Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a little heat.

Add More Veggies – Stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas and carrots for added color and nutrition.

Use Different Cheese – Instead of cheddar, experiment with Gouda, Swiss, or Colby Jack for a unique twist.

Make it Tex-Mex – Swap the seasonings for taco seasoning, use pepper jack cheese, and top with crushed tortilla chips for a Southwestern flair.

However you customize it, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try, and let me know how you make it your own!