Simple Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe for Families

Comfort food takes center stage with this mouthwatering cheesy ground beef and rice casserole that promises pure deliciousness.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in a single dish that screams home-cooked satisfaction.

Packed with rich flavors and melted cheese, this recipe turns ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary.

Ground beef provides a robust protein base while rice absorbs all the delectable seasonings.

Creamy textures and savory notes dance together, creating a meal everyone will devour.

Cheese lovers and hungry families will absolutely adore this one-pan wonder that comes together quickly and easily.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Standouts

• Whip Up Comfort: A hearty one-pan meal that delivers rich, satisfying flavors with minimal kitchen effort and cleanup.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows switching vegetables, trying different cheese types, or adding extra spices to match your taste preferences.
• Kid-Approved Delight: Packed with familiar ingredients kids love, this cheesy casserole transforms ordinary ground beef and rice into a crowd-pleasing dinner that keeps everyone happy and well-fed.
• Quick Weeknight Solution: Requires simple ingredients, straightforward cooking steps, and delivers a complete meal in under an hour, perfect for busy families seeking delicious home-cooked dinners.

What You’ll Need for Beef Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the base of this comforting casserole.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: These vegetables add depth and sweetness to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, warm flavor throughout the casserole.

• Beef Broth: Creates moisture and enhances the savory beef flavor.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and helps bind the casserole together.

• Rice: Serves as a filling and textural component of the casserole.

• Paprika: Contributes a mild, sweet pepper flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts to create a golden, gooey, and indulgent layer on top of the casserole.

Cooking Steps for Cheesy Beef Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting it ready for the delicious casserole adventure ahead.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until it transforms into a beautiful golden brown.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Diced onion
• Bell pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sauté everything together for 2-3 minutes, letting the spices dance and mingle.

Step 4: Build The Base

• Uncooked rice
• Beef broth
• Cream of mushroom soup

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors start to blend.

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cover with foil like a cozy blanket and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Remove the foil, give the casserole a gentle stir, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese on top.

Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 10 more minutes until the cheese is melted and irresistibly bubbly.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle.

Then dive into this comforting, cheesy masterpiece!

Tips for Cheesy Rice Casserole Success

• Remove all excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffier, less sticky texture in the casserole.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after adding cheese to allow for a smooth, even cheese distribution and prevent burning.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a more nutritious version.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar and monterey jack for a more complex and rich taste profile.

Flavor Ideas for Beef Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace rice with riced cauliflower to create a keto-friendly version that cuts down on carbohydrates while maintaining the same hearty flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meat-free alternative that keeps the casserole’s rich, comforting texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap paprika for chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese to give the casserole a zesty southwestern kick.

Beef and Rice Casserole Serving Ideas

• Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread on the side.
• Potluck Perfect: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, paired with a simple cucumber tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Top with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of color and added flavor that takes the casserole to the next level.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick lunch, or transform into stuffing for bell peppers or zucchini boats.

Storing Beef Casserole for Later

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the lid tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Pack the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time, so you’ll need to adjust the recipe by adding extra broth and increasing the baking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure the rice becomes tender.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding cheese, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the cheese and cook as directed, potentially adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

• What ground meat alternatives work well?

Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent substitutes for beef. They provide similar texture and can be used in the exact same quantities as ground beef in this recipe.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Warm comfort meets pure satisfaction in this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole, bringing hearty midwest flavors to your dinner table. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Grains:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups beef broth

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 10.5 ounces (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly draining any excess fat.
3. Incorporate diced onions, bell peppers, and seasonings into the meat, cooking for 2-3 minutes until vegetables soften.
4. Add uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup to the skillet, gently mixing and allowing the mixture to simmer.
5. Pour the entire skillet contents into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and cook through.
7. Remove the foil, stir the casserole to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top of the casserole.
9. Return the uncovered dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps the dish set and makes portioning easier.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting paprika and adding a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner version.
• Choose long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for better texture and less stickiness during cooking.
• Prep vegetables ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg