Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole: Easy Weeknight Comfort

Looking for a hearty, cheesy dinner that comes together quickly? This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines savory ground beef, tender rice, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or leftovers, it’s a one-dish comfort food classic that will have your family asking for seconds.

With just a handful of ingredients, this casserole is simple to make yet packed with flavor. The creamy sauce melds perfectly with the rice and beef, while the melted cheese on top adds the perfect golden finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-dish dinner: Everything cooks together in a casserole dish — minimal cleanup.
• Customizable: Add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas for extra nutrition.
• Family-friendly: Mild flavors kids love, with a creamy, cheesy finish.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare ahead and bake when ready for dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter for sautéing

Optional add-ins: diced bell pepper, frozen peas, or corn

Instructions

1. Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2. Cook ground beef:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until translucent. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

3. Combine rice and sauce:
In a large bowl, mix uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Fold in cooked ground beef mixture.

4. Assemble casserole:
Transfer mixture to the greased casserole dish. Spread evenly. Top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more for extra cheesiness).

5. Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve hot:
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve directly from the dish.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

A hearty and cheesy casserole combining ground beef, rice, and melted cheddar in a creamy sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup 1 can
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese plus extra for topping
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika optional
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter for sautéing

Equipment

• Casserole dish
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent, then add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Fold in cooked beef mixture.
4. Transfer mixture to the greased casserole dish and spread evenly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.

Notes

Optional vegetables can be added. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Tips for the Perfect Casserole

• Rice: Ensure rice is uncooked at assembly; it will cook fully in the oven with the liquid.
• Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for more flavor or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
• Vegetables: Fold in frozen or sautéed vegetables to boost nutrition without altering cooking time.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat in oven or microwave.

Variations

• Mexican-inspired: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and corn; top with pepper jack cheese.
• Italian-style: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with marinara sauce, add Italian seasoning, and top with mozzarella.
• Low-carb version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with:

• A crisp green salad for freshness.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls for soaking up extra sauce.
• A side of steamed vegetables to round out the meal.

Fun Facts

Ground beef and rice casseroles have been a staple in American households for decades. They’re economical, filling, and versatile — perfect for feeding a hungry family with minimal effort. Adding a cheesy topping elevates the dish from simple comfort food to a crowd-pleasing classic.

Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 420 | Carbs: 35g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Sugar: 3g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 750mg