Irresistible Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort arrives with this mouthwatering ground beef and rice casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Melted cheese blankets tender meat and fluffy grains in a harmonious blend.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions that everyone craves.

Hearty ingredients combine to create a meal packed with robust flavors.

Home cooks appreciate dishes that come together quickly and deliver maximum enjoyment.

Layers of savory goodness await you in this classic one-pan wonder.

Dig into this irresistible casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole FAQs

• What makes the ground beef taste so good?

The seasoning of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper infuses deep, savory flavors into the meat, creating a rich and delicious base for the casserole.

• Can I use different types of rice?

White rice works best for this recipe, providing a sturdy foundation that absorbs the creamy sauce and complements the beef perfectly.

• Why do I need to drain the fat from the beef?

Draining excess fat prevents the casserole from becoming greasy and ensures a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.

• How do the breadcrumbs contribute to the dish?

Breadcrumbs create a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy, cheesy casserole.

Why Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Hits The Spot

• Savor Quick Comfort: Enjoy a hearty one-dish meal that comes together faster than traditional complicated recipes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt this recipe by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, adding vegetables like peas or carrots, or experimenting with different cheese blends to suit your taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love this cheesy, satisfying casserole that combines familiar ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish guaranteed to empty plates quickly.
• Budget-Conscious Cooking: Create a delicious meal using affordable pantry staples and basic ingredients that won't break the bank while still delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.

What You Need For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A savory foundation that provides rich flavor and hearty texture to the casserole.

• White Rice: A classic starch that creates a comforting and substantial bottom layer for the dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: A smooth mixture that binds ingredients and adds luxurious creaminess to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty dairy elements that contribute a golden, gooey topping with deep, tangy flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall depth and complexity of the beef's taste.

• Breadcrumbs: A crispy coating that provides a delightful crunch and golden-brown finish to the casserole.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat used to brown the ground beef and prevent sticking.

Step-By-Step For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F and give a quick spray of cooking oil to a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents any sticky situations and makes serving a breeze.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab a large skillet and heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and break it into delicious crumbly bits. Cook until it’s beautifully golden and no pink remains.

Step 3: Season the Meat

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to create a flavor-packed meat base.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth and velvety.

Step 5: Build the Rice Foundation

Spread the cooked white rice evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This becomes the delicious base of your casserole.

Step 6: Layer the Meat

Distribute the seasoned ground beef evenly over the rice layer, making sure every bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 7: Pour the Sauce

Gently pour the creamy soup mixture over the beef and rice, covering all the ingredients completely.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Topping

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Follow with a coating of breadcrumbs for that irresistible crispy top.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for completely melted cheese and a gorgeous golden-brown top.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This helps the flavors mingle and makes serving much easier.

Tips For Making Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Prep Ahead Wisely: Chop vegetables and measure spices in advance to streamline cooking and reduce kitchen stress.
• Control Meat Moisture: Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole and maintain a perfect texture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Experiment with adding smoked paprika or dried herbs like thyme to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Choose Cheese Creatively: Swap cheddar and mozzarella with gruyère or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cream of mushroom soup to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Ways To Change Up Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace white rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrates while maintaining the casserole's hearty texture.
• Turkey Lean Alternative: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter protein option that cuts down on fat content while preserving the dish's robust flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Substitute ground meat with black beans or lentils, creating a plant-based casserole that offers high protein and satisfying meatless comfort food experience.
• Gluten-Free Crispy Topping: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds instead of traditional breadcrumbs to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining a crunchy exterior.

What To Serve With Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Pairing Perfect Protein Partners: Match hearty ground beef casserole with robust red wines like cabernet sauvignon that complement the rich meat flavors.
• Craft a Crisp Contrast: Select a tangy green salad with sharp vinaigrette to cut through the creamy cheese and provide refreshing balance.
• Beverage Brilliance: Enjoy a cold amber ale or hoppy IPA that stands up to the casserole's dense texture and provides a light, malty counterpoint.
• Side Dish Symphony: Roast seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli with garlic and lemon to add brightness and nutritional depth to the meal.

How To Store Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving the casserole for up to 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to restore the crispy top.

Lava Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “cheesy ground beef and rice casserole” delivers comfort on a plate, blending savory beef and creamy cheese with perfectly cooked rice. Families will savor each forkful of this classic, satisfying dish that brings warmth and flavor to any dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Grains and Base:

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy serving and prevent sticking.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbly pieces until no pink remains and a rich golden color develops.
3. Drain excess fat from the beef and return to the skillet, stirring in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse deep, savory flavors.
4. Blend cream of mushroom soup and milk in a separate bowl, creating a creamy sauce that will bind the casserole ingredients together.
5. Layer the cooked white rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a hearty foundation for the casserole.
6. Spread the seasoned ground beef uniformly over the rice layer, ensuring an even distribution of meat.
7. Pour the creamy soup mixture over the beef and rice, gently spreading to cover all ingredients completely.
8. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses across the top, followed by an even coating of breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden-brown finish.
9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and the top turns a rich, appetizing golden color.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and flavors to meld together.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole without compromising rich flavor.
• Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutritional value and a nuttier texture that complements the meaty base.
• Create a gluten-free alternative by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and checking that cream of mushroom soup is certified gluten-free.
• Enhance vegetable content by mixing in frozen peas, diced carrots, or spinach during the beef seasoning stage for extra nutrition and color.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg