If you’re craving a homey, satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe. It blends perfectly seasoned ground beef with tender rice, rich mushrooms, and just the right amount of melty cheddar cheese to create a dish that’s comfort food at its finest. Every bite is bursting with flavor and texture, making it an ideal family dinner or a crowd-pleaser when you want something hearty and effortless to pull together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this casserole shine. Each component brings something special to the table—whether it’s the juicy ground beef, the creamy mushroom soup, or the flavorful spices—creating a balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this recipe so memorable.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the beef and aromatics, adding a subtle fruitiness and helping to develop flavor.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty protein that forms the rich base of this casserole.
- Small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with garlic.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings warmth and a fragrant kick to the dish.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup, uncooked): Absorbs all those lovely flavors and cooks perfectly tender in the casserole.
- Beef broth (2 1/2 cups): Introduces savory moisture that keeps everything juicy and flavorful.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces): Adds creaminess and umami that ties the dish together beautifully.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 ounces, drained): Lends a zesty touch with a subtle heat for extra interest.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Provides vibrant color and mild smoky notes.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a gentle herbal aroma and earthiness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the harmonious flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just enough bite to balance richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): The star ingredient that melts to create irresistibly gooey, savory topping and mix-in.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): For a fresh pop of green that’s perfect for garnish and brightness.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sets the stage to effortlessly transfer your flavorful mixture into the oven for baking, ensuring nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil, then add the ground beef. Cook it until nicely browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This step is crucial for developing rich, meaty flavor that forms the foundation of your casserole.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Once the beef is browned, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are soft and fragrant. This layering of aromatics will elevate the depth of flavor exponentially.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to fully incorporate everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—this helps marry the flavors before baking.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Transfer Mixture
Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese while it is still warm. This ensures an ooey-gooey texture throughout. Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake Covered and Then Uncovered
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This last step creates that irresistible bubbly and golden cheesy crust.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This little pause allows the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up slightly. If you like, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley adds bright color and a touch of freshness that perfectly contrasts the richness of the casserole. For an extra pop, consider a dash of smoked paprika or a handful of sliced green onions to really wow your guests.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads to balance the richness and add some crunch. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also make fantastic complements, bringing both nutrition and texture contrast to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual family dinners, serve directly from the baking dish, letting everyone scoop their hearty portions. But for a special occasion, consider plating individual servings topped with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices, giving it a fun twist that also adds creaminess and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole keeps well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking or after it has cooled completely. Wrap the dish tightly in foil and then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen casseroles maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months—perfect for batch cooking and meal prep.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm individual portions in the microwave or heat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly again. Cover with foil initially to prevent the cheese from burning.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great healthier alternative, though it requires a longer baking time—about 15 to 20 minutes more—and extra liquid to ensure it cooks through properly without drying out.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup, or make your own creamy base by mixing sour cream or cream cheese with broth and a bit of seasoning. This will still achieve the creamy texture the recipe needs.
Is this recipe freezer friendly after baking?
Yes, but for best texture, it’s recommended to freeze before baking. Freezing after baking may cause the cheese to become a bit grainy upon reheating, though it will still taste great.
Can I add vegetables to the Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe?
Definitely! Stirring in frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or even finely chopped carrots before baking adds both nutrition and a fresh dimension of flavor without changing the cooking process significantly.
How do I prevent the casserole from being too soggy?
Make sure you drain the diced tomatoes well, and avoid adding too much extra liquid. Also, letting the casserole rest before serving helps excess moisture absorb into the rice, giving you a nicely set dish.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe is truly a gem that combines simplicity, comfort, and undeniable deliciousness in one handy dish. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy appetites. Go ahead and make it your new go-to recipe—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a family dinner. It features browned ground beef sautéed with onion and garlic, combined with rice, savory beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked to bubbly perfection, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Meat & Produce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks for even cooking throughout.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Then season with paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld but do not cook the rice fully at this stage. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice; however, increase the baking time by 15–20 minutes and ensure there is enough liquid to properly cook the rice.
- For added vegetables and nutrition, mix in frozen peas or chopped bell peppers before baking.
- Make sure to use gluten-free condensed soup if you require a gluten-free meal.
- This casserole reheats well and makes great leftovers for the next day.
