When it comes to satisfying hungry families, a hearty casserole is often the answer. Our Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a complete meal in one dish, designed for minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Imagine tender seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, a rich and creamy sauce, all crowned with a generous blanket of melted cheddar cheese. This is comfort food at its finest, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering.
This recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients into a dish that's both deeply satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare. It starts on the stovetop, browning ground beef and onions to build a flavorful foundation. Then, everything comes together in a single baking dish, baking to golden perfection in the oven. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This casserole isn't just easy; it's a culinary hug in a dish. Here’s why it’s destined to become a family favorite:
- One-Dish Wonder: Most of the cooking happens in a single skillet before baking, simplifying cleanup.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and affordable ingredients, it’s kind to your wallet.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it with different cheeses, vegetables, or even a different ground meat.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of beef, rice, and cheese is universally loved by all ages.
- Freezer-Friendly: Makes for excellent leftovers and can be prepped ahead for future meals.
Ready to create a delicious and wholesome meal that everyone will adore? Let's get cooking!
Ingredients for Your Hearty Casserole
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a magnificent meal. For this comforting Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, you'll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley or thyme (optional, for mixing)
- ½ cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Using a good Quality Chef's Knife will make dicing that onion and mincing garlic a breeze!
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This recipe is straightforward, breaking down into a few simple steps that bring all the delicious components together.
Preparation Steps
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin coating of butter.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 diced small onion. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft—about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and drain off any excess fat.
- Step 3: Wipe out excess oil if necessary, then return the skillet to medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the spices bloom in the fat.
Assembling and Baking Your Casserole
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed beef-onion-garlic mixture with 2 cups of cooked white or brown rice, 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup, ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (reserving ½ cup for topping), and ½ teaspoon dried parsley or thyme. If desired, stir in ½ cup of frozen peas or corn for extra color and nutrients. Mix gently until all ingredients are thoroughly coated in a creamy sauce.
- Step 5: Spoon the beef-rice mixture evenly into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use the back of your spatula to level the top so that every portion bakes uniformly.
- Step 6: Scatter the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the surface.
- Step 7: Place the casserole on the middle rack of your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. It’s ready when the sauce bubbles around the perimeter and the cheese turns a light golden brown.
- Step 8: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit on the counter for 5–10 minutes. This brief resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to cut neat squares.
- Step 9: Cut the casserole into servings and transfer to plates. For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or a few extra frozen peas on top. Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or warm dinner rolls.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Don't Overcook the Beef: Brown the beef just until it's no longer pink to keep it tender and juicy.
- Drain Excess Fat: This prevents your casserole from becoming greasy.
- Cooked Rice is Key: Ensure your rice is fully cooked and preferably cooled before mixing to avoid a mushy texture.
- Let it Rest: The resting period after baking is crucial for the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.
For another comforting and easy meal idea, check out our Skillet Tortellini with Sausage and Cherry Tomatoes.
Variations to Try
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a little kick.
- Cheesy Swaps: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend can add a new dimension of flavor.
- Leaner Protein: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a healthier alternative to beef.
- Vegetable Boost: Besides peas and corn, consider adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to the mix for extra nutrients.
Casseroles are incredibly versatile. For more ideas on how to elevate your ground beef recipes, explore resources like Food Network's ground beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
- Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Looking for another satisfying beef dish? Our How to Make Satisfying Melty Cheese Beef Wraps is another great option!
Enjoy this delightful and easy casserole with your family tonight!
FAQs
Can I make this ground beef and rice casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, uncover and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if it's straight from the fridge.
What kind of rice works best for this casserole?
Cooked white rice or brown rice both work wonderfully in this casserole. Ensure the rice is cooked and cooled before mixing it in, as this helps prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
Are there any easy substitutions for the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes! Cream of cheddar soup is a great alternative for an extra cheesy flavor. You could also use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if you prefer, each offering a slightly different, delicious base.
How can I add more vegetables to this cheesy beef and rice casserole?
You can easily add more vegetables! Stir in u00bd cup of frozen peas or corn with the rice mixture. Diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms can also be sautu00e9ed with the onion for added flavor and nutrients.
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
A comforting, easy-to-make casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, a creamy sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup
½ cup sour cream
½ cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
½ teaspoon dried parsley or thyme (optional, for mixing)
½ cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin coating of butter.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 diced small onion. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft—about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and drain off any excess fat.
Step 3: Wipe out excess oil if necessary, then return the skillet to medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the spices bloom in the fat.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed beef-onion-garlic mixture with 2 cups of cooked white or brown rice, 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup, ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (reserving ½ cup for topping), and ½ teaspoon dried parsley or thyme. If desired, stir in ½ cup of frozen peas or corn for extra color and nutrients. Mix gently until all ingredients are thoroughly coated in a creamy sauce.
Step 5: Spoon the beef-rice mixture evenly into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use the back of your spatula to level the top so that every portion bakes uniformly.
Step 6: Scatter the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the surface.
Step 7: Place the casserole on the middle rack of your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. It’s ready when the sauce bubbles around the perimeter and the cheese turns a light golden brown.
Step 8: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit on the counter for 5–10 minutes. This brief resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to cut neat squares.
Step 9: Cut the casserole into servings and transfer to plates. For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or a few extra frozen peas on top. Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or warm dinner rolls.
Notes
For best results, make sure your rice is cooked and cooled before adding to the mixture. This prevents the casserole from becoming mushy. You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Casserole
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
