If you are craving a meal that wraps you up in a warm, comforting hug, then this Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect blend of savory ground beef, tender rice, and ooey-gooey cheddar cheese brought together with a cozy, casserole bake that feels like home in every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, this dish stands out for its ease, hearty flavors, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes you come back for seconds without hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe comes alive through simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from the savory ground beef that adds depth, to the creamy soup that binds everything with richness, and the cheese that delivers that irresistible melty finish.
- Olive oil: Use this to brown the beef perfectly while adding a light, fruity note.
- Ground beef: The hearty base that brings savory protein and richness to every spoonful.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and mellow pungency, creating a flavorful foundation.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Give your casserole a warm, aromatic kick that wakes up the senses.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice: Absorbs all the delicious flavors while creating a tender, fluffy texture.
- Beef broth: Essential for cooking the rice within the casserole and enhancing meatiness.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Provides creamy body and earthy undertones to the dish.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained: Bring a subtle hint of spice and bright tomatoey goodness.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and beautiful color to the mix.
- Dried thyme: Infuses gentle herbal notes that complement the beef perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper: Balances and enhances all the flavors, making every bite pop.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that melts all over, creating that signature cheesy goodness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of fresh, vibrant color and a mild herbal finish.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. A properly prepared pan ensures your casserole won’t stick and will brown beautifully on the edges.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet, and add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. This step delivers a rich, savory foundation that’s packed with flavor, making your casserole irresistible from the start.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Once the beef is browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and aromatic charm to enhance the dish.
Step 4: Combine Rice and Liquids
Next, stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Add paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper too. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly before you move to the next step.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Transfer to Baking Dish
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until blended. Pour this cheesy, flavor-packed mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly, setting the stage for a golden, bubbly finish.
Step 6: Bake Covered, Then Finish Uncovered
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes so the rice cooks fully and soaks up every bit of flavor. Then, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown around the edges.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Before diving in, let your casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This little pause helps everything set beautifully, making sure each serving holds together perfectly and tastes even better.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your casserole’s presentation and add a fresh burst of flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving. It’s a little touch that brightens the plate and adds a lovely herbal counterpoint to the rich cheese and beef.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with crisp green vegetables like steamed broccoli or a refreshing mixed greens salad to balance the richness. A side of roasted carrots or sautéed green beans also complements the hearty flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this for guests or want to jazz things up, try portioning the casserole into individual ramekins before baking. This makes for an adorable, personal-sized dish. Alternatively, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of fresh avocado for an exciting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator. Store any leftovers in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making the next-day meal just as delightful.
Freezing
This casserole freezes really well too. Simply cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep its tasty goodness for up to three months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top during reheating can bring back that freshly baked feeling instantly.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be substituted, but be mindful to increase the baking time by about 15 to 20 minutes and ensure there’s enough liquid so the rice cooks properly without drying out.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or use cooked lentils for protein. Just make sure your broth and soup are vegetarian-friendly to keep the flavors rich and satisfying.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms stirred in before baking add color, texture, and extra nutrients, making this recipe even more wholesome and exciting.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup, or even make a simple homemade white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and seasonings to keep the creaminess intact.
How do I know when the rice is fully cooked in the casserole?
After the initial 45-minute covered bake and then the uncovered cheese-melting stage, the rice should be tender and fully absorbed the liquid. If in doubt, test a small spoonful; it should be soft but not mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those rare meals that combines simplicity, comfort, and a little touch of indulgence all in one dish. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want warmth and ease without sacrificing flavor. Give it a try, and soon it will be one of your favorite go-to meals to bring smiles and satisfaction to your table.
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheddar cheese in a savory baked casserole. Featuring flavors of diced tomatoes with green chilies and a creamy mushroom soup base, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Staples & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Grains & Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, 2 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, and 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained).
- Season: Add 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer and Mix Cheese: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop, then remove from heat. Stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until well incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the rice to cook through.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice instead of white rice; however, increase the baking time by 15 to 20 minutes and ensure there’s enough liquid to cook the rice properly.
- For added vegetables, stir in frozen peas or chopped bell peppers before baking to boost the nutritional profile and flavor.
- Use gluten-free condensed cream of mushroom soup if you need the recipe to be gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
