Hearty Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering cheesy ranch ground beef and rice casserole that promises to satisfy every craving.

Creamy, savory, and packed with bold flavors, this dish becomes an instant crowd-pleaser at any dinner table.

The combination of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Ranch seasoning adds a zesty kick that elevates the entire meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of hearty protein and comforting ingredients.

You and busy families will adore how quickly this one-pan wonder comes together.

Prepare to experience a delicious dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Beef & Rice Casserole So Tasty

• Unbelievably Easy Comfort Meal: Whips up quickly with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious results without stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Packed with kid-friendly ingredients like cheese, beef, and bacon that guarantee smiles around the dinner table, making mealtime a breeze.
• One-Pan Dish: Minimizes dishes and cleanup by utilizing a single skillet for cooking, then transferring to a baking dish, reducing kitchen time and effort dramatically.
• Versatile Weeknight Champion: Adaptable recipe that works perfectly for casual dinners, potlucks, or feeding hungry families with its hearty and satisfying combination of protein, rice, and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ranch Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: Lean and flavorful base for the casserole.
• Bacon: Crispy and smoky flavor enhancer.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Creamy and melty topping.
• Milk: Smooth and rich binding ingredient.

• Instant Rice: Quick-cooking and convenient base.

• Ranch Dressing Mix, Minced Garlic: Zesty and aromatic taste boosters.

• Condensed Cheddar Soup: Creamy and rich sauce starter.

• Green Onions: Fresh and colorful finishing touch.

Cooking Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole

Step 1: Sizzle the Bacon

Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned and crispy.

Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In the same skillet, cook ground beef until browned, crumbling it while cooking.

Drain excess grease from the skillet.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic

Add minced garlic to the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, releasing its aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Prepare the Rice Mixture

Remove skillet from heat and stir in instant rice.

• Condensed cheddar soup
• Milk
• Ranch dressing mix

Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 5: Create the Flavor Base

• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup chopped green onions
• Two-thirds of the cooked bacon

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Step 7: First Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 40 minutes.

Step 8: Final Cheesy Touch

• Remaining 2 cups of cheese
• Remaining bacon pieces

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Return to the oven and bake uncovered until the casserole is bubbling and cheese is melted (5-10 minutes).

Let rest briefly, then sprinkle with remaining green onions before serving.

Tips for a Creamy Beef Casserole

• Reserve some bacon grease for extra flavor when sautéing ground beef, enhancing the overall taste profile of the casserole.
• Use instant rice to reduce cooking time, but for a healthier option, substitute with brown rice or quinoa for added nutrients.
• Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar and monterey jack to create a more complex and rich cheese flavor.
• Create a homemade ranch seasoning blend for a fresher taste and control over sodium levels, using dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for more intense taste.

How to Save and Reheat Beef Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying out, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, storing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with Beef & Rice Casserole

• Pair Zesty Craft Beer: Complement the rich, cheesy casserole with a hoppy IPA that cuts through the creamy texture and enhances the ranch and bacon flavors.
• Serve Fresh Garden Salad: Create a light, crisp side dish with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole's heaviness.
• Match Chilled White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to provide a refreshing contrast to the dish's robust and creamy profile.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare simple roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers to introduce a fresh, nutritious element alongside the comforting casserole.

Casserole Variations to Consider

• Vegetarian Ranch Rice Skillet: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, using vegetable broth instead of milk for moisture and maintaining creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Ranch Bake: Substitute instant rice with riced cauliflower, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the cheesy ranch flavor profile intact.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Use gluten-free condensed soup, verify ranch dressing mix is gluten-free, and ensure all ingredients meet dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap regular cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and choose dairy-free ranch seasoning to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of instant rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to pre-cook it and adjust the liquid ratio accordingly to ensure proper moisture and cooking time.

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

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• What can I do if I don't have ranch dressing mix?

You can create a substitute by mixing dried dill, dried chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to mimic the ranch flavor profile.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free condensed soup and ensure your ranch dressing mix is gluten-free. Double-check all ingredient labels to make sure they meet gluten-free requirements.

Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ranch ground beef and rice casserole delivers comfort with bold southwestern flavors and creamy cheese goodness. Packed with satisfying ingredients, this simple one-dish meal brings family and friends together for a delightful dinner experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) lean ground beef
• 8 slices bacon, chopped

Dairy and Cheese:

• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 10.5 ounces (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar soup

Base and Seasonings:

• 1 cup instant rice
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 ounce (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
• 1 1/4 cups chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until golden and crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon.
2. In the same skillet, brown ground beef, breaking it into crumbles while cooking. Drain excess fat.
3. Add minced garlic to the beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes, releasing aromatic flavors.
4. Remove skillet from heat and incorporate instant rice, ensuring even distribution.
5. Blend condensed cheddar soup, milk, and ranch dressing mix into the beef and rice mixture.
6. Fold in one cup of shredded cheese, one cup of chopped green onions, and two-thirds of the cooked bacon pieces.
7. Transfer the combined mixture to a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 40 minutes.
9. Remove foil, then top with remaining cheese and bacon pieces.
10. Return to oven and bake uncovered until cheese melts and casserole becomes bubbly, approximately 5-10 minutes.
11. Allow casserole to rest briefly before garnishing with remaining green onions.
12. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, creamy, and savory flavors.

Notes

• Bacon Swap: Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives for a lighter version with reduced fat content.
• Rice Flexibility: Substitute instant rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition and different texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace cheese and condensed soup with cashew-based cheese and dairy-free cream soup to create a lactose-free option.
• Spice Boost: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat and flavor complexity in the casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 949 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg