There's nothing quite like the comfort of a hearty casserole to warm up your home and heart. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole brings together rich, savory beef, perfectly cooked rice, and melty cheese in a dish that's both satisfying and easy to prepare. It's the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
I first discovered this recipe when I needed a quick solution for a fridge full of leftovers. With a little creativity, it turned into a family favorite that now makes regular appearances on our dinner table. Let me show you why this dish is bound to become your next go-to.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole
Get ready to fall in love with the simplicity and flavor of this casserole. It's one of those recipes that ticks all the boxes—easy, delicious, and perfect for everyone at the table.
First, it's an absolute time-saver. From start to finish, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for those hectic days when you need dinner on the table fast.
It's also incredibly budget-friendly. The ingredients are pantry staples, so you won't have to break the bank to create a filling, family-friendly meal.
Customization is another major win. Whether you want to add vegetables, adjust the seasonings, or use a different type of cheese, this recipe is endlessly adaptable to suit your preferences.
Finally, it delivers that cozy, comforting vibe we all crave from a casserole. Every bite is filled with creamy, cheesy goodness balanced with the savory richness of ground beef.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a role in building the perfect casserole.
The ground beef is the star, bringing a hearty, savory base to the dish. I recommend using lean ground beef to avoid excess grease while still keeping it flavorful.
Rice adds structure and substance. Long-grain white rice works best here because it cooks up fluffy and absorbs all the flavors in the casserole. For extra nutrition, you can substitute brown rice, but be mindful of the longer cooking time.
Cheese lovers will rejoice with the inclusion of cheddar cheese. Its sharp, melty goodness ties everything together. You can experiment with blends like Monterey Jack or mozzarella if you prefer a milder flavor.
Tomato sauce adds a subtle tang and moisture to the dish. It keeps everything from drying out and ensures every bite is flavorful.
A touch of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika enhances the casserole’s depth. You can adjust these to your taste, making the recipe as mild or bold as you'd like.
You'll need a large baking dish to assemble this casserole and aluminum foil to keep it moist while baking.
How To Make This Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

Making this casserole is a straightforward process, perfect for beginner and experienced cooks alike.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats, cook your rice according to the package instructions. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
In the same skillet, add your tomato sauce and let it warm for a minute. Stir in the cooked rice and half of the cheese, mixing everything until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, ensuring a generous layer of gooey goodness. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from drying out during baking.
Bake the casserole for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Storage Options
This casserole is perfect for meal prep and leftovers. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual servings in freezer-safe containers. They'll last up to 3 months, making it easy to reheat a comforting meal whenever you need it.
To reheat, pop it in the microwave or oven until heated through. Add a splash of water or tomato sauce if the casserole seems a bit dry after reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
The flexibility of this recipe is one of its best features.
Add more veggies like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas for extra nutrition and color.
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
For a spicier kick, mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Experiment with different cheeses to discover new flavor profiles. A blend of pepper jack and cheddar adds a nice twist!
Lastly, if you're short on rice, you can use cooked quinoa or even pasta as a substitute.
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or techniques to create something amazing. Try it out tonight, and get ready for a new family favorite!
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Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make comfort meal loaded with savory flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the beef. Cook until onions are soft.
- In a large bowl, combine the beef mixture, uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and frozen peas (if using). Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery if preferred.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
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