Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender rice. Made with simple pantry ingredients and packed with flavor, this dish is a family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Everything bakes together in one dish, creating a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that will make you feel right at home.

This casserole is everything you love about comfort food in one pan. By combining seasoned ground beef, rice, and melty cheese in a creamy sauce, this dish creates a cozy and delicious meal that requires minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover rice, and you can even add in extra veggies for a balanced meal. The best part? It’s so easy to make and comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your casserole is assembled.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Dice the Vegetables: Chop the onion, garlic, and optional bell pepper into small, even pieces.
2. Shred the Cheese: If you’re not using pre-shredded cheese, grate it fresh for the best melt and flavor.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef and Vegetables

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onions and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they’re translucent and fragrant.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Mix in Additional Ingredients

1. Add the Diced Tomatoes and Bell Pepper: Stir in the diced tomatoes and optional bell pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Combine the Cream of Mushroom Soup and Broth: In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth until smooth.
3. Stir in Sour Cream and Worcestershire Sauce: Add the sour cream and Worcestershire sauce to the mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Combine Rice and Beef Mixture: Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the beef mixture, stirring until the rice is fully incorporated.
2. Add Cheese: Mix in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining cup for topping.
3. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese evenly over the casserole.
2. Cover with Foil: Cover the casserole dish with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
3. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until everything is heated through and bubbly.
4. Uncover and Broil: Remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Hot: Enjoy this casserole straight from the oven, topped with fresh parsley if desired.
• Pair with a Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well to balance the richness of the casserole.
• Add Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal.

Tips for Success

1. Use Leftover Rice: This is a great recipe for using up leftover rice, as cooked rice absorbs the flavors well without becoming mushy.
2. Adjust Cheese to Taste: If you love extra-cheesy casseroles, feel free to add more cheese.
3. Low-Sodium Options: Use low-sodium beef broth and soup to control the saltiness, especially if you’re sensitive to salt.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetable Addition: Add veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or frozen peas for extra nutrition.
• Ground Turkey Substitute: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Mexican-Inspired: Add a can of black beans, some taco seasoning, and use pepper jack cheese for a Tex-Mex twist.

Storage and Reheating

To Store

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: This casserole freezes well. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container, label, and freeze for up to 3 months.

To Reheat

1. Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
2. Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute increments until hot.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is an easy, filling, and delicious meal that brings comfort and warmth to the table. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s a meal that comes together quickly and leaves you with minimal dishes. With its rich, cheesy flavor and hearty ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. It’s versatile enough for creative twists and perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Yield: 6

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Print

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender rice. Made with simple pantry ingredients and packed with flavor, this dish is a family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Everything bakes together in one dish, creating a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that will make you feel right at home.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet or oven-safe casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
   
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
   
3. Add Rice and Seasonings:
   Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
   
4. Bake the Casserole:
   If using an oven-safe skillet, cover it with foil. If transferring to a baking dish, pour the mixture into the dish and cover with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
   
5. Add the Cheese:
   Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven. Bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
6. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy this comforting, cheesy casserole!

Notes

• Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you prefer, use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.
• Add Vegetables: Try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas for extra flavor and nutrition.