Comforting Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole that promises a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

Layers of savory meat and fluffy grains meld together under a golden, bubbling cheese blanket.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier and more delicious.

Minimal ingredients combine to create a hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Packed with protein and flavor, this casserole solves the eternal question of what to cook when time is short.

Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly simple, you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation.

One bite and you’ll understand why this casserole has become a go-to favorite for busy families.

Why Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Is So Filling

• Simplify Meal Preparation: Combine ground beef, rice, and creamy sauce in one dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and cooking steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Rich, cheesy casserole satisfies hunger with hearty ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families, this one-pan meal delivers delicious nutrition without complicated cooking techniques.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and basic pantry staples to create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget.

Ingredients For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.

• Sour Cream, Milk, Cheddar Cheese: These ingredients create a rich, creamy texture and add depth of flavor to the dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds a savory and creamy element that helps bind the ingredients together.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
• Onions: Provide a aromatic and sweet undertone to the beef mixture.

• White Rice: Serves as a filling and substantial foundation for the casserole.

• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy and golden-brown texture to the casserole surface.

• Parsley: Brings a fresh burst of color and a light herbal note to the finished dish.

How To Make Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

Step 1: Brown The Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat. Break the meat into tiny crumbles and continue cooking until no pink remains, which takes about 7-8 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté Onions

Add diced onions to the beef and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma, approximately 3 minutes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until everything combines into a smooth, rich sauce.

Step 4: Prepare Perfect Rice

Cook white rice separately following package instructions until it’s fluffy and tender.

Step 5: Combine Beef And Rice

Gently fold the cooked rice into the beef mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Assemble The Casserole

Transfer the beef and rice blend into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it uniformly across the surface.

Step 7: Add Cheese Layer

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the entire casserole, creating a delicious cheesy topping.

Step 8: Create Crispy Topping

Dust the surface with breadcrumbs to achieve a golden-brown, crunchy finish.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Place the casserole in a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the edges turn slightly crisp.

Step 10: Rest And Garnish

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant touch and added flavor.

Step 11: Serve And Enjoy

Scoop and serve the warm, comforting casserole directly from the baking dish.

Pro Tips To Make Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Even Better

• Prevent Dish Sticking: Thoroughly grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
• Master Meat Browning: Break ground beef into small, even crumbles and cook until no pink remains for maximum flavor and food safety.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté onions until translucent to release natural sweetness and enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
• Create Perfect Texture: Fold rice gently into beef mixture to maintain individual grain integrity and prevent mushy consistency.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Sprinkle cheese evenly and bake until golden and bubbly for a deliciously crispy top layer.

Tasty Variations For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Casserole Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, using vegetable broth instead of cream of mushroom soup for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers, and use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and mix in taco seasoning for a zesty southwestern-inspired casserole that packs a flavor punch.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace white rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the creamy texture and hearty feel of the original recipe.

Perfect Pairings With Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, savory beef and creamy casserole texture.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole's richness.
• Match with Craft Beer: Choose an amber ale or brown ale with subtle malt flavors that enhance the beef and cheese elements without overpowering the dish.
• Elevate with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to add a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment to the casserole.

How To Store Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole The Right Way

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Store frozen casserole for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Made Easy

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works perfectly. Just adjust cooking time according to package instructions as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.

• How can I make this casserole healthier?

Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey, use low-fat cheese and reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup to cut calories and fat content.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10 minutes to the baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty cheesy ground beef and rice casserole, blending savory flavors and creamy textures. Packed with rich ingredients and simple preparation, this dish offers a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups white rice
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
3. Add diced onions to the beef and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in salt, black pepper, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream, creating a rich and creamy mixture.
5. Cook the white rice separately according to package instructions until perfectly fluffy and tender.
6. Gently fold the cooked rice into the beef mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
7. Transfer the combined beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface of the casserole.
9. Dust the top with breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden-brown finish.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly crisp.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version that caters to health-conscious diners.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty, wholesome texture to the casserole.
• Create a gluten-free option by replacing breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal for a crispy topping.
• Enhance the dish’s flavor profile by adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms during the beef sautéing stage for extra depth and nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg