If there’s one comfort food that truly delivers cozy vibes and happy faces every single time, it’s this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Imagine a bubbling casserole packed with tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a double helping of melty cheddar, all luxuriously blended with a creamy richness. This casserole is weeknight fuss-free magic, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a craving for something hearty and utterly delicious. The Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole doesn’t just taste amazing—it brings everyone to the table with anticipation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t you love it when a recipe calls for kitchen staples and delivers maximum flavor? Each ingredient here plays a crucial role—bringing depth, comfort, and irresistible texture to this vibrant, family-friendly casserole. Let’s make your kitchen smell like a homey dream.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides a hearty and savory base that makes each bite satisfying and rich.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the beef evenly while adding a subtle, fruity flavor.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Adds mild sweetness and aromatic depth that blends into every layer.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Lends a deliciously bold, zesty kick that sings through the dish.
- Long-grain white rice, uncooked (1 cup): Fluffs up beautifully, absorbing all the saucy goodness.
- Beef broth (2½ cups): Infuses the rice and beef with savory, meaty flavor—skip water for best results.
- Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces): Adds creamy texture and umami richness that’s simply irresistible.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings a dreamy tang and extra creaminess, holding everything together.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds color and a gentle, smoky warmth.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings herby brightness to balance the richness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances and unifies all the flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Offers subtle heat and depth without overpowering.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, divided (2 cups): The absolute star, making the casserole gooey, cheesy, and pure comfort.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled on top for a burst of fresh color and flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating with oil or nonstick spray. This not only helps with cleanup but ensures that beautiful crust doesn’t stick to the pan!
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and diced onion, stirring occasionally. Cook until the beef turns brown and the onion is softened, soaking up all the beefy goodness. This builds the foundation of flavor for your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute. This quick flash in the pan amplifies the flavors and ensures every bite has that wonderful garlicky aroma.
Step 4: Mix in Rice, Broth, and Flavor-Boosters
Now add the uncooked long-grain rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper directly into the skillet. Give everything a thorough stir—it should look creamy and extra cozy.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the entire mixture into your greased baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil (this helps the rice cook all the way through!) and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the rice is nice and tender.
Step 6: Cheesy Finish
Carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle 1½ cups of cheddar cheese over the top, then bake uncovered for another 5–7 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, scatter on the fresh parsley and the remaining cheddar for a delightful pop of flavor and color. Your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is ready to make the dinner table the highlight of everyone’s day!
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Garnishes
A little flourish on top can make this casserole feel extra special! Try a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness or even sliced green onions if you want a mild tang. For a tiny kick, dust on a bit more paprika or scatter crushed red pepper flakes. It not only looks stunning, but it wakes up all the flavors in every serving.
Side Dishes
This hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole pairs well with crisp, simple sides. A fresh green salad or steamed green beans offer a nice contrast to the richness. Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread will help scoop up every luscious bite—you won’t want to leave a crumb behind!
Creative Ways to Present
Casserole doesn’t have to mean old-school! Serve in individual ramekins for a fun, dinner-party twist or scoop into bell peppers and bake for a colorful, edible presentation. You can even use leftovers as a filling for stuffed burritos for a next-day lunch that feels brand new.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole keeps beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will stay delicious for up to four days. The flavors meld even more, so every reheat is just as yummy!
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly, making it fabulous for meal prep. Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. It’ll be good for up to three months—ideal for those future busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, uncover and warm individual portions in the microwave (use a splash of broth if it looks dry), or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven until hot throughout. Top with a bit more cheese or parsley if you want to revive that “just baked” magic!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can use brown rice, but you’ll want to add about 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time and check that there’s enough liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Swap in cream of chicken soup or even cream of celery if you’re not a mushroom fan—either will keep the texture and add subtle new flavors.
Is there a way to make this casserole spicier?
Absolutely! Mix in diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or use pepper jack cheese for a spicy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole twist.
Can I assemble this casserole in advance?
Yes—simply prep the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few more minutes to the cook time since it will start cold.
What’s the best way to add vegetables?
Stir in a cup of steamed or frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli with the rice and sauce mixture before baking. It’s an easy way to boost nutrition and color without fuss.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something warm, inviting, and downright irresistible, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the answer. Give it a try and watch smiles appear all around your table—it just might become your new classic comfort food!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein, it’s a satisfying meal that is easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until beef is browned and onion is softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Rice and Broth: Add rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Bake: Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until rice is tender.
- Add Cheese: Remove foil, sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for another 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and the remaining cheese before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- For added vegetables, stir in a cup of peas, carrots, or broccoli before baking.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great meal prep option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 810 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
