The Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheesy ground beef and rice casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Hearty ingredients combine in a magical culinary dance that warms hearts and satisfies hungry souls.

Robust flavors meld together, creating a dish that feels like a warm embrace from your favorite home cook.

Rich, creamy textures promise a delightful dining experience that reimagines ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Families and friends gather around the table, drawn by the irresistible aroma of melted cheese and savory meat.

Weeknight dinners become special occasions with this simple yet spectacular meal that requires minimal preparation.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly this casserole comes together, turning basic ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Tips

• Drain Thoroughly: Remove excess fat from ground beef completely to prevent a greasy casserole and maintain a clean, rich flavor profile.
• Rice Texture Trick: Let rice rest off heat for 10 minutes after cooking to achieve perfectly fluffy, separated grains without becoming mushy.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for smoother melting and more robust flavor throughout the dish.
• Soup Swap Technique: Experiment with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if mushroom isn't a favorite, keeping the creamy consistency intact.
• Moisture Balance: Cover casserole with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture, then uncover for the last few minutes to achieve golden, crispy cheese topping.

Storing and Reheating Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the casserole will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. For quick single servings, microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Pairing Guide

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich, savory beef and cheesy flavors with a medium-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, cutting through the creamy texture and enhancing the meal's hearty profile.
• Crisp Side Salad Companion: Balance the casserole's heaviness with a light, tangy green salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to refresh the palate between bites.
• Roasted Vegetable Sidekick: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with a light garlic and olive oil seasoning, adding a nutritious and colorful contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Cool Craft Beer Match: Select a hoppy amber ale or a smooth lager that can stand up to the dish's robust flavors, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy texture.

Flavor Variations on Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Spicy Southwestern Blend: Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, add diced green chiles, replace mushroom soup with salsa, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese on top for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Garden Mix: Incorporate diced zucchini, spinach, and crumbled feta cheese. Season with oregano and use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Creamy Chicken Transformation: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, use cream of chicken soup, and add roasted bell peppers for a different protein-packed casserole option that maintains the comforting texture.
• Wild Rice Hunter's Style: Mix in wild rice blend, add dried thyme, incorporate diced venison or elk instead of ground beef, and top with crispy bacon bits for a rustic, hearty woodland-inspired casserole.

Why Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Is a Comfort Classic

• Comfort Food Champion: This casserole delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that wraps you in warmth like a culinary hug, perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: The one-pot approach and simple baking technique make this recipe beginner-friendly, requiring minimal cooking skills while producing maximum flavor.
• Texture Paradise: Combining creamy rice, tender ground beef, and melted cheese creates a delightful mix of smoothness and richness that tingles your taste buds with every forkful.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks craving a delicious, no-fuss meal.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Lean and flavorful protein that adds richness to the casserole, choose 80/20 or 85/15 blend for best taste.
• Milk, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that help bind and add moisture to the dish, whole milk works best for richness.
• Cheese: Melty and sharp component that provides golden, gooey topping, sharp cheddar recommended for maximum flavor.

• Rice: Long-grain white rice creates a fluffy base for the casserole, ensures even cooking and good texture.

• Onions, Garlic: Classic aromatic vegetables that build deep flavor foundation, fresh onions provide best taste.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that season the ground beef and enhance overall dish profile.
• Beef Broth: Liquid that helps cook rice and adds savory depth to the casserole.

• Butter: Helps sauté onions and adds richness to the dish.
• Mushroom Soup: Creamy binding ingredient that adds extra moisture and flavor.
• Mushrooms: Earthy vegetable that provides additional texture and umami taste.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef.

Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then cook until fully browned.

Drain the excess grease and set the beef aside, keeping it covered.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, melt the butter and add chopped onions.

Cook for about 5 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 4: Cook Rice and Mushrooms

Pour beef broth into the pot and bring it to a boil.

Stir in the rice, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.

Add mushrooms, cover again, and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes until rice is tender.

Step 5: Rest Rice

Turn off the heat but keep the pot covered.

Let the rice sit and steam for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Stir the cooked beef back into the pot.

Add mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese.

Step 7: Bake Casserole

Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Top with the remaining cheese and cover with foil.

Bake for 20 minutes, then uncover until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking.

Slice and serve hot while the flavors are fresh and creamy.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

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

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Description

Classic comfort meets wholesome goodness in this hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Simple ingredients blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal that wraps warmth around hungry families and delivers rich, melted cheese with each savory bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 (454 grams) ground beef, 85% lean
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• ¾ cup onions, diced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 8 ounces (226 grams) sliced button mushrooms, washed

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups beef broth
• ½ cup milk, any kind
• ½ cup sour cream
• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 ¼ cups uncooked white long grain rice (not instant)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles. Season with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Drain excess fat and set meat aside.
3. Using the same skillet, melt of butter and sauté diced onions until translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
5. Pour beef broth into the skillet and bring liquid to a rolling boil. Stir in uncooked rice, reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Incorporate sliced mushrooms, replace lid, and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until rice absorbs liquid.
7. Remove skillet from heat and let rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes to complete cooking process.
8. Blend cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, sour cream, and half the shredded cheese into the rice mixture until evenly distributed.
9. Transfer casserole mixture to prepared baking dish, sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
10. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and edges become golden and bubbly.
11. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help set and enhance flavors.

Notes

• Meal Prep Magic: Assemble this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking for a stress-free dinner solution.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Choose sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses to intensify the rich, melty flavor profile.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or frozen peas for added nutrition and color.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular mushroom soup for a gluten-free version and use certified gluten-free rice to accommodate dietary needs.
• Leftover Love: This casserole reheats beautifully and keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making excellent next-day lunch.
• Freezer-Friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months, perfect for meal planning and quick future dinners.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg