🧀 Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy
When comfort food cravings hit, there’s nothing like a bubbling Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole fresh from the oven. It’s creamy, hearty, and loaded with flavor — the perfect all-in-one meal that brings everyone running to the dinner table.
This recipe combines seasoned ground beef, tender rice, a creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese for the ultimate family-friendly dinner. It’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and ideal for busy weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying without a lot of fuss.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-dish wonder: Protein, carbs, and cheese — all in one pan!
Easy ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry.
Crowd-pleaser: Kids, adults, and picky eaters alike love it.
Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
🧂 Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 cups beef broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for a milder flavor)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning
Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
👩‍🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the onion and garlic until the meat is browned and no longer pink.
Drain any excess fat and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Mix the Casserole Base
In a large bowl, combine the beef mixture, uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup shredded cheese, and parsley (plus vegetables, if using).
Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Assemble and Bake
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil to keep the steam in — this helps the rice cook perfectly.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has absorbed.
5. Add the Cheesy Topping
Remove the foil, sprinkle the top with extra cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, until melted and bubbly.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. The flavors settle, and the texture becomes beautifully creamy.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for a complete meal
đź’ˇ Tips for the Perfect Casserole
Use lean ground beef: 85–90% lean gives great flavor without too much grease.
Don’t skip the foil: It keeps the moisture in so the rice cooks evenly.
Make it creamier: Add ÂĽ cup of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
Switch it up: Try using ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a tasty twist.
Add a crunch: Top with crispy fried onions or crushed Ritz crackers before serving.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
