Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole: A Family Favorite One-Pan Wonder
Looking for a cozy, satisfying, and fuss-free dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further than the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole — a true comfort food classic that’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor.
This dish combines tender ground beef, fluffy rice, a creamy tomato base, and plenty of melted cheese for the ultimate weeknight dinner. Best of all? It’s made in one pan, making cleanup as easy as the cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
Casseroles have long been the go-to solution for busy home cooks who want something filling, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing. This particular version ticks all the boxes:
✅ One-pan meal: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor.
✅ Make-ahead friendly: Prepares easily and reheats beautifully.
✅ Family-approved: Kids and adults alike go back for seconds.
✅ Customizable: Add veggies, spice it up, or swap the cheese.
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
1 ¾ cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ tsp paprika (optional)
Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Brown the beef:
In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add aromatics:
Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 2–3 minutes).
Add rice and liquids:
Add the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), cream soup, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a low simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Add the cheese:
Stir in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar until melted and incorporated. Top with extra cheese, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes to melt.
Serve:
Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.
