Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience! This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole brings together savory beef, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese in one irresistible dish. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights. You will love how this recipe uses simple pantry staples with minimal effort, promising a delicious and satisfying result every time.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Casserole

This recipe quickly becomes a family favorite for many reasons:

• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most items for this hearty ground beef and rice bake in your pantry right now.
• One-Pan Convenience: Minimize cleanup with a single baking dish for assembly and cooking.
• Highly Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your family’s preferences and dietary needs.
• Freezer-Friendly: Prepare ahead and freeze portions for effortless future meals.
• Kid-Approved: Its universally loved flavors make this ground beef and rice casserole a guaranteed hit with kids.

Ingredients

• 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)
• ½ cup milk or beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Notes & Substitutions

Using lean ground beef reduces fat, making your casserole less greasy and healthier. If you prefer, swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this savory dish. Ensure your white rice is pre-cooked; long-grain or jasmine rice works perfectly, but brown rice also makes a great alternative for added fiber. Cream of mushroom soup offers a rich, earthy flavor, but cream of chicken soup is a classic choice if you prefer. Use milk for a creamier texture or beef broth for a deeper, meatier taste. Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheddar blend for varied flavors in your cheesy ground beef and rice casserole. Don’t skip the onion and garlic; they provide essential aromatic depth. Paprika adds a subtle warmth, while salt and pepper adjust the overall seasoning to your liking.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this delicious casserole. Grab a large skillet for browning the meat. You will also need a couple of mixing bowls for preparing the sauce and combining ingredients. Finally, a standard 9×13-inch casserole dish is essential for baking this wonderful meal.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious cheesy ground beef and rice casserole:

• Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
• Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef and diced onion together. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Continue until the meat is fully browned and the onion softens. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
• Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds more, just until you can smell its fragrance. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• Make the Sauce: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creates the creamy base for your casserole.
• Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked white rice, the browned beef and onion mixture, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the prepared sauce. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly with a spoon until everything is evenly coated. This ensures every bite of your cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is flavorful.
• Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• Finish Baking: Remove the foil from the casserole dish. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and melted, turning a beautiful golden color.
• Optional Broil: For an extra crispy, golden-brown cheese topping, place the uncovered casserole under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
• Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to set and makes for easier serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and enjoy your hot, homemade meal.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

For the best cheesy ground beef and rice casserole, follow these simple guidelines. Do not overcook the ground beef; brown it just until no pink remains, keeping it juicy. Always ensure your rice is pre-cooked; using uncooked rice will result in a dry, undercooked dish. Grate fresh cheese instead of using pre-shredded; it melts smoother and tastes better. Always adjust seasonings like salt and pepper to your preference before baking. Finally, let the casserole rest briefly after baking; this helps it set for clean serving.

Common Mistakes

• Using Uncooked Rice: This is the most frequent error. Always pre-cook your rice, or it will not soften properly in the casserole.
• Not Draining Beef Fat: Failing to drain the excess fat makes your casserole greasy and less appealing.
• Overbaking and Drying Out: Baking for too long can dry out the rice and meat. Stick to the recommended baking times.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This hearty ground beef and rice casserole is versatile for serving and easy to store.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this comforting dish with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make a perfect healthy side. A slice of warm, crusty bread is excellent for soaking up any extra sauce.

Storage Instructions

For comprehensive advice on food preservation, the USDA provides valuable information on food safety guidelines for freezing and refrigerating leftovers. Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until thoroughly warmed through. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Stir in a cup of frozen corn, peas, or diced bell peppers during assembly for extra nutrients and color.
• Swap the Meat: Substitute the ground beef with Italian sausage, ground pork, or even shredded chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Change the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for a milder flavor, or pepper jack for a spicy kick in your cheesy ground beef and rice casserole.
• Crunchy Topping: Add crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or French fried onions mixed with a little melted butter on top before the final bake.
• Add Spice: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce for a little heat.

Nutrition

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious cheesy ground beef and rice casserole:

Disclaimer: These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This information is not a substitute for professional nutritional advice. For more detailed information on balanced diets, consult official dietary guidelines for healthy eating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use uncooked rice? No, you must use pre-cooked rice. Uncooked rice will not soften properly in the casserole and will result in a dry texture.
• Can this be made ahead? Yes, you can assemble the entire cheesy ground beef and rice casserole ahead of time. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• What’s the best cheese for this? Sharp or mild cheddar works beautifully, offering classic flavor and a great melt. You can also mix in Monterey Jack or Colby for variety.
• Is it gluten-free? This recipe can be gluten-free if you use a certified gluten-free cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. Always check ingredient labels.
• Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or corn are popular additions. Simply mix them in with the beef and rice.
• How do I prevent it from being watery? Ensure you thoroughly drain the fat from the ground beef. Also, always use pre-cooked, slightly cooled rice to prevent excess moisture.
• Can I cook it in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this. Combine cooked beef, rice, sauce, and cheese in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours until heated through, adding more cheese on top for the last 30 minutes.

Conclusion

This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is the ultimate weeknight hero: simple, hearty, and incredibly delicious. It combines comforting flavors with minimal effort, making it a perfect meal for busy parents and beginner cooks alike. Easy to customize and freezer-friendly, it truly embodies quick and easy cooking. Give this recipe a try tonight, and watch it become a treasured family favorite. We love seeing your creations, so share your photos and feedback with us!

Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This comforting casserole features savory ground beef and fluffy rice baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It's an easy-to-make, family-friendly meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 428

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 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
• ½ cup milk or beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• chopped parsley Optional: for garnish

Equipment

• Oven
• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Foil

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, then drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the sauce.
5. Combine the cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheese, and the prepared sauce in the baking dish, mixing everything thoroughly.
6. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the casserole, cover it with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Optionally, broil the casserole for 2 minutes at the end for a crispy cheese topping.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve the hearty casserole hot.

Notes

This hearty casserole is perfect for a comforting family dinner. You can easily substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom. Leftovers reheat well.