Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe for Families

When hunger strikes, a hearty cheesy ground beef and rice casserole emerges as the ultimate comfort food solution.

Packed with rich, savory flavors, this dish promises to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Tender ground beef mingles with fluffy rice, creating a delightful texture that melts in your mouth.

Melted cheese blankets the casserole, adding a golden, irresistible layer of indulgence.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of protein and warmth, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, transforming basic components into a memorable dinner.

Dive into this comforting classic that will quickly become a favorite at your table.

Why Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Stands Out

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Dive into a hearty, cheesy casserole that brings everyone together with its irresistible blend of ground beef, rice, and melted cheddar.
• Foolproof Cooking: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this one-pot wonder requires minimal cooking expertise and delivers maximum flavor with simple ingredients.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Transform ordinary weeknight dinners into something special, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or when you crave a satisfying home-cooked meal without complicated prep work.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Packed with affordable ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd, this casserole offers delicious nutrition without breaking the bank, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy and full.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Must-Haves

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat that brings rich flavor to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Milk, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Butter: Creamy ingredients that add luxurious texture and depth.

• Onions, Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Flavor-boosting ingredients that enhance the overall taste.

• Rice: Fluffy and comforting grain that serves as the casserole's foundation.

• Beef Broth, Mushrooms: Supporting ingredients that add moisture and earthy notes.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large pot, sizzle the ground beef over medium-high heat.

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Once the meat is beautifully browned, drain away the extra grease.

Tent the beef with foil to keep it warm and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Using the same pot, melt butter and toss in diced onions.

Let them dance and soften for about 5 minutes.

Introduce minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Pour in beef broth and bring to a bubbling boil.

Add uncooked rice, reduce heat, and cover tightly.

Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Fold in mushrooms, cover again, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, following your rice package instructions.

Step 5: Rest the Rice

Turn off the heat and let the pot sit, covered, for 10 minutes.

This allows the rice to finish cooking perfectly.

Step 6: Mix the Goodies

Stir the cooked ground beef into the rice mixture.

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Half of the cheddar cheese

Combine everything until it’s beautifully mixed.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crown.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and turns a gorgeous golden color.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Bring the casserole to the table, still steaming.

If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with some fresh herbs.

Dig in and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Tips to Know

• Remove as much grease as possible to prevent a soggy casserole and enhance the overall flavor and texture.
• Use long-grain white rice for the best consistency and cooking time; avoid instant rice which can become mushy.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like monterey jack, colby, or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles to the casserole.
• If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of extra broth; if too wet, increase baking time without the foil to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready – perfect for meal prep and saving time during busy weeknights.

Save and Reheat Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, storing for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

What to Pair with Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, acidic Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy casserole and refresh your palate between bites.
• Complement with Fresh Green Salad: Toss a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty, cheesy dish and add a bright, clean contrast.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare simple roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus with garlic and olive oil to provide a slightly charred, nutritious accompaniment that enhances the casserole's depth.
• Enhance with Tangy Pickled Vegetables: Add a small side of quick-pickled cucumbers or carrots to introduce a sharp, acidic element that cuts through the dish's richness and adds exciting texture.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Flavor Ideas

• Vegetarian Rice Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a hearty meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Swap rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates. Keep all other ingredients the same for a keto-friendly alternative that maintains rich, cheesy flavors.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Meal: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Double-check rice and ingredient labels to create a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Replace milk and sour cream with coconut milk and cashew cream for a creamy texture without traditional dairy products.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, kids typically love this casserole because of the cheesy texture and simple ingredients. The mild flavors and comfortable components like ground beef and rice make it appealing to children.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work perfectly in this recipe. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the casserole’s core deliciousness.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli directly into the rice mixture. These vegetables boost nutritional value without changing the recipe’s fundamental taste and texture.

• What makes this casserole budget-friendly?

This recipe uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, canned soup, and cheese. It feeds multiple people with minimal expensive components, making it an economical meal option for families and budget-conscious cooks.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole, a hearty dish that warms hearts and satisfies hunger. Rich layers of seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese create a perfect one-pan meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef, 85% lean

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 3/4 cup onions, diced

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups beef broth
• 1.25 cups uncooked white long grain rice (not instant)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) sliced button mushrooms, washed
• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk, any kind
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat, incorporating Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat and set the seasoned meat aside, covering it to retain warmth.
3. Using the same skillet, melt butter and gently sauté onions until they become translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute to release its aromatic flavors.
4. Pour beef broth into the skillet, bringing the liquid to a gentle boil. Introduce uncooked rice, reduce heat, and cover the pot tightly. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes, then fold in mushrooms and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, monitoring rice package instructions for precise timing.
5. Remove from heat and allow the rice to rest, covered, for 10 minutes to complete its cooking process and absorb remaining moisture.
6. Incorporate the previously cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed and well combined.
7. Transfer the mixed ingredients to the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top, creating a delicious golden layer.
8. Shield the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and develops a tempting golden-brown crust.
9. Remove from the oven and let it rest briefly. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, then serve hot and enjoy the comforting meal.

Notes

• Customize the ground beef blend by mixing different meat types like turkey or lean beef for varied nutritional profiles.
• Replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce for reduced sodium and preservative-free option.
• Create gluten-free version by using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and checking ingredient labels carefully.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini during the sautéing stage for increased fiber and vitamins.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 465
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg