Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe for Dinner

My mom’s secret cheesy ground beef and rice casserole delivers comfort straight from her midwestern kitchen.

Memories of Sunday dinners flood back with every bite of this hearty dish.

Tender rice mingles with seasoned ground beef under a blanket of melted cheese.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical on your plate.

Hearty and satisfying, this casserole brings warmth to any evening meal.

Weeknight dinner challenges meet their match with this delicious one-pan wonder.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole With Texture Tips

• Add less rice for a saucier texture or more rice for a firmer casserole consistency.
• Mix in frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli to increase vegetable content and nutritional profile.
• Substitute regular cheese with dairy-free cheese options or nutritional yeast for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a blend for more complex taste profiles.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld together perfectly.

Reheat Ground Beef Rice Casserole Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pack cooled casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese on top for renewed crispiness.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Tasty Complements for Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Savor Bold Red Wine Pairing: Medium-bodied red wines like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon complement the rich beef and cheesy flavors, cutting through the casserole's hearty profile.
• Craft Fresh Green Salad Side: Prepare a crisp mixed green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's creamy texture and add refreshing contrast to the warm dish.
• Enhance Vegetable Accompaniment: Roasted seasonal vegetables like broccoli or asparagus provide nutritional balance and add vibrant color to the meal's overall presentation.
• Create Zesty Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to brighten the casserole's appearance and introduce a subtle herbal note that elevates the flavor profile.

Beef and Rice Casserole with Easy Cheesy Mix-Ins

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace cream of mushroom soup with gluten-free cream soup and use gluten-free rice or quinoa. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and maintain the same cheese and seasoning profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli. Keep cheese and meat components the same for a protein-packed, lower-carbohydrate version.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and replace paprika with chili powder. Top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, so increase the beef broth and bake for about 45-50 minutes.

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

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

• Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make it healthier, use lean ground beef, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, reduced-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables to increase nutritional value.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole: The Comfort You’re Craving

• Comfort Food Champion: This casserole delivers hearty, satisfying flavors that warm your soul and please every family member instantly.
• Quick Weeknight Warrior: Prepares in under 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal without complicated cooking steps.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned soup to create a filling dinner that stretches your grocery budget without compromising taste.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal kitchen cleanup required since you cook everything in a single skillet and baking dish, reducing dish washing time and kitchen mess dramatically.

Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Contents

• Ground Beef: Hearty and rich meat that provides the main protein for the casserole, choose lean ground beef for less grease.
• Beef Broth: Adds deep flavor and moisture to the dish, helps cook the rice and tenderize the meat.

• White Rice: Serves as the main carbohydrate and absorbs the delicious flavors of the casserole, use long-grain rice for best texture.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy binder that adds richness and helps hold the casserole together, provides a smooth base.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy flavor and creates a golden melted topping, sharp varieties work best.
• Onion, Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Provide additional nutrition and vegetable texture to the casserole, fresh or frozen work well.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that build depth of flavor, add warmth and complexity to the dish.

How to Cook Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Set your oven to a warm 350°F, preparing it for the delicious comfort food journey ahead.

Step 2: Brown The Beef And Onions

Grab a large skillet and cook ground beef with diced onions over medium heat.

Let the meat turn a beautiful golden brown and drain any extra fat to keep things lean and tasty.

Step 3: Create The Flavor Base

• Uncooked rice
• Beef broth
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything until well combined, creating a rich and aromatic mixture.

Step 4: Prepare The Baking Dish

Transfer the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread it evenly to ensure consistent cooking and flavor distribution.

Step 5: Add The Cheesy Topping

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface of the casserole.

Step 6: Initial Baking

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

Bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Final Cheese Melt

Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven.

Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes perfectly melted and slightly bubbly.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your comforting meal!

Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole” brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending savory beef with melted cheese and perfectly cooked rice. Warm family dinners find their soul mate in this simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 cup (236 milliliters) uncooked white rice
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup (150 grams) frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to create a warm, controlled baking environment at 350°F.
2. Sauté ground beef with onions in a spacious skillet, breaking meat into small crumbles and cooking until the meat loses its pink color and develops a rich, golden-brown appearance.
3. Eliminate excess grease by carefully draining the meat mixture, ensuring a lighter, less fatty dish.
4. Introduce uncooked rice, fragrant beef broth, creamy mushroom soup, and a blend of seasonings to the meat, stirring thoroughly to create a harmonious flavor profile.
5. Transfer the savory mixture into a prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking and perfect texture.
6. Generously crown the casserole with a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and create a golden, appetizing surface.
7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, protecting the ingredients from direct heat and promoting even cooking during the initial baking phase.
8. Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb liquid and become tender.
9. Remove the foil to expose the cheese, returning the casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, irresistible topping.
10. Allow the casserole to rest briefly, letting the flavors meld and the dish settle before serving.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter dish.
• Swap white rice with brown rice for added fiber and nutritional value.
• Customize the recipe by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and checking broth ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg