Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a no-fail comfort food recipe your family will actually get excited about? This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor using simple pantry staples. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping ahead.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• ½ cup milk or beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Step 5: In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix well to combine.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping.
9. Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a different flavor and melt.
• Top with crushed crackers or French fried onions before baking for a crunchy texture.
• Use leftover cooked rice to prevent the casserole from becoming mushy.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This casserole freezes well; portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat in the microwave or bake at 350°F until hot throughout.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice?

No. This recipe requires pre-cooked rice because raw rice would change the texture and increase the cooking time.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 120 reviews

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal combining seasoned ground beef, cooked rice, a creamy mushroom soup-based sauce, and melted sharp cheddar cheese. It’s easy to prepare using pantry staples, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, and pleasing picky eaters with its creamy, cheesy richness.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (85% or 90%)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked white rice (about 1 cup uncooked)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• ½ cup milk or beef broth
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
2. Brown the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain off any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance flavor.
4. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
5. Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, mix the cooked rice, beef and onion mixture, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
6. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
7. Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden on top.
8. Optional Crisping: For a crunchy cheese topping, broil the casserole for 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
9. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot. Enjoy a creamy, cheesy dinner that’s great for the whole family.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef (85%-90%) to reduce grease; if using fattier beef, drain well.
• Pre-cooked rice is essential; raw rice should not be used as it affects texture and cook time.
• Leftover rice works well and helps keep the casserole from becoming mushy.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Cream of chicken soup can be used instead of cream of mushroom soup for variation.
• Milk adds richness, while beef broth adds extra depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and richer taste.
• This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual portions.

Keywords: ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, rice bake, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner, pantry staple recipes, meal prep casserole