The Best Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe Ever

Comfort finds its perfect expression in this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole that promises warmth on any evening.

Layers of savory ingredients meld together creating a hearty meal everyone adores.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions, and this recipe delivers exactly that.

Melted cheese blankets seasoned ground beef and fluffy rice in a delightful combination.

Families gather around the table, eager to scoop up each delicious bite.

Affordable ingredients and minimal preparation make this dish a go-to for busy home cooks.

One forkful will convince you this casserole deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

Serving Up Cheesy Beef And Rice Casserole

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
• Protein Power-Up: Add a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans to boost nutritional value and create a complete meal.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Serve with warm garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to your dining experience.
• Crowd-Pleaser Plating: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and a touch of freshness that elevates the entire dish.

Storing Beef Rice Casserole For Later Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Transfer casserole to a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese on top for a fresh, melty finish.

FAQs

• Why use uncooked rice in this casserole?

Uncooked rice absorbs the liquid from beef broth and cream of mushroom soup during baking, creating a perfectly tender and flavorful base that cooks directly in the casserole without pre-cooking.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work great as lean alternatives. They’ll provide similar texture and absorb the same delicious seasonings while keeping the dish lighter.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! This casserole uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned soup, making it an economical meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole – All The Details

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey or add different vegetables to match your family's taste preferences and pantry supplies.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward preparation make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, hearty meal.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, savory combination of beef, rice, and melted cheddar, creating a universally appealing dinner option.

Beef And Rice Casserole Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the casserole.

• Onions, Garlic Powder: These ingredients provide a classic savory foundation for the dish's flavor profile.

• Beef Broth, Cream of Mushroom Soup: These components create a creamy, moist base that helps cook the rice and bind the casserole together.

• Rice: The core foundation of the casserole that absorbs flavors and provides a satisfying texture.

• Peas: A sweet and nutritious addition that brings color and extra nutrition to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: A melty, sharp cheese that provides a golden, bubbling crust and rich flavor.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings and cooking fat that enhance overall taste and cooking process.

Building Cheesy Casserole The Easy Way

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F (190°C) for the perfect casserole baking temperature.

Step 2: Sauté Onions

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook thoroughly until the meat is nicely browned.

Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 4: Season The Meat

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix the seasonings well to ensure the beef is evenly flavored.

Step 5: Combine Casserole Base

• Uncooked rice
• Beef broth
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Frozen peas (optional)

Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 6: Incorporate Beef Mixture

Pour the cooked ground beef and onions into the baking dish.

Gently stir to distribute the meat evenly throughout the casserole.

Step 7: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and flavors to meld together.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Topping

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Pull the bubbling, cheesy casserole from the oven and serve hot.

Your comfort food masterpiece is ready to be devoured!

Tips For Melty, Cheesy Rice Casserole

• Remove as much grease as possible from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a lighter, more appetizing dish.
• Long-grain white rice works best for even cooking and perfect texture, preventing mushy or undercooked grains in the final casserole.
• Sprinkle cheese evenly across the top for consistent melting and a beautiful golden-brown finish that adds visual appeal and extra flavor.
• Incorporate additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and add more depth to the casserole's flavor profile.
• Mix different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack to create a more complex and exciting taste experience beyond traditional cheddar.

Ways To Switch Up Beef Rice Casserole

• Chicken Swap: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Mexican Style: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with taco seasoning for a zesty kick.

Stuffed Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting cheesy ground beef and rice casserole brings hearty midwestern flavors to dinner tables with rich, creamy goodness. Quick weeknight meals never tasted so satisfying when you dig into this classic one-dish wonder.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Grains:

• 1 cup white rice (uncooked)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 0.5 cup diced onions
• 0.5 cup frozen peas (optional)

Liquids and Broths:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Canned Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) to ensure proper heating for the casserole.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté diced onions until they become translucent and soft.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart and cooking until completely browned. Eliminate any excess grease if needed.
4. Season the meat mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, thoroughly mixing to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Transfer uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and peas into a baking dish, creating a uniform base for the casserole.
6. Carefully fold the seasoned ground beef and sautéed onions into the rice mixture, ensuring comprehensive integration of ingredients.
7. Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil, then bake for 40 minutes to allow rice to absorb liquid and become tender.
8. Uncover the casserole, generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
9. Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving to help it set, then plate and enjoy the comforting, cheesy dish while hot.

Notes

• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy, separate grains in the casserole.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce unnecessary fat and create a healthier version of this comforting dish.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with Greek yogurt or homemade bechamel sauce for a lighter, fresher alternative that cuts down on processed ingredients.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend to add exciting flavor dimensions and keep the recipe interesting.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg