Savory Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe for All

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this hearty ground beef and rice casserole that promises pure deliciousness.

Melted cheese blankets layers of savory meat and fluffy rice in a dish that screams home-style cooking.

The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the dinner table with anticipation.

Packed with bold flavors and creamy textures, this casserole delivers a satisfying meal that comes together effortlessly.

Each forkful combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, and gooey cheese in a harmony of taste.

Simple ingredients blend into a mouthwatering meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Get ready to add this crowd-pleasing recipe to your weeknight dinner rotation and watch smiles spread with every bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty, rich protein base that anchors the entire casserole's robust flavor profile.
• Mushrooms: Adds earthy depth and meaty texture, enhancing the overall umami experience.

• Cheese: Delivers luxurious melting quality and tangy richness, creating irresistible golden crust.
• Sour Cream: Introduces silky smoothness and subtle tanginess that balances the dish's heaviness.
• Milk: Contributes to creamy consistency and helps bind ingredients together.
• Butter: Provides essential richness and helps sauté vegetables with deep, nutty undertones.

• Onions: Brings sweet, caramelized base notes and aromatic foundation to the casserole.
• Garlic: Infuses intense, pungent flavor that elevates entire dish's taste profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Delivers complex herbal notes that complement beef's richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all other ingredient flavors.
• Beef Broth: Creates moisture and intensifies savory undertones throughout the dish.
• Rice: Serves as hearty, filling base that absorbs surrounding flavors beautifully.
• Mushroom Soup: Adds creamy texture and additional umami complexity.

Equipment Guide for Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

• Large Pot: Essential for browning beef and cooking rice, making it a key kitchen tool.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the casserole, ensuring even cooking.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and mixing everything smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient portions in the recipe.
• Colander or Strainer: Helpful for draining excess grease from the ground beef.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if you're grating cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
• Aluminum Foil: Needed to cover the casserole during baking, preventing over-browning.

How to Cook Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Meat Preparation

Brown ground beef in a large pot, seasoning with herbs and spices. Remove excess grease and keep warm.

• Rice Foundation

Cook rice in beef broth with sautéed onions and garlic, creating a flavorful base that absorbs rich flavors.

• Creamy Mixture

Blend cooked beef with mushroom soup, sour cream, and half the cheese, creating a luxurious and comforting sauce.

• Baking Magic

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake until golden and bubbling with delicious aromas.

• Serving Comfort

Let the casserole rest briefly after baking, allowing flavors to meld and create a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

Variation Ideas for Your Beef and Rice Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Add a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat and a zesty kick to the dish.
• Incorporate additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase nutritional value and flavor complexity.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve – perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Complement the rich, cheesy casserole with a crisp green salad topped with a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty flavors.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Add colorful roasted carrots, broccoli, or asparagus on the side to boost nutritional value and provide a vibrant contrast.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a fresh, bright finish that cuts through the creamy texture.
• Enjoy with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious, cheesy sauce and complete the comforting meal.

Storage Advice for Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

• Batch Prepare Ahead: Cook the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate for quick weeknight meals. Divide into individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches during busy workdays.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap the casserole tightly in freezer-safe containers or aluminum foil. Store up to 3 months for a delicious emergency dinner solution. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Refrigerate with Care: Store leftovers in sealed containers within 2 hours of cooking. Consume refrigerated casserole within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety. Reheat thoroughly until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Smart Reheating Tricks: Restore crispy cheese edges by warming in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. Microwave works for quick heating, but may slightly soften the cheese texture. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top for extra melty goodness.

Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty cheesy ground beef and rice casserole combines comforting midwestern flavors in one satisfying dish. Home cooks appreciate this simple, budget-friendly meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (454 g/16 oz) ground beef, 85% lean
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 ¼ cups uncooked white long grain rice (not instant)
• 2 ½ cups beef broth
• 10.5 oz (298 g) cream of mushroom soup
• ¾ cup onions, diced
• 8 oz (226 g) sliced button mushrooms, washed
• ½ cup milk, any kind
• ½ cup sour cream
• 3 tbsps butter, divided
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1.5 tsps Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly lubricate a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking vessel with cooking spray or butter for optimal non-stick performance.
2. Meat Manipulation: In a spacious skillet, transform ground beef over medium-high flame, fragmenting into delicate crumbles. Infuse with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Eliminate excess fat and reserve meat temporarily.
3. Aromatic Foundation: Within the same skillet, melt butter and gently caramelize diced onions until translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its fragrant essence to bloom for 60 seconds.
4. Liquid Integration: Introduce beef broth, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil. Incorporate uncooked rice, reduce thermal intensity to low, and seal with a lid. Allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes, periodically monitoring liquid absorption.
5. Mushroom Incorporation: Fold sliced mushrooms into the rice mixture, maintaining low heat and covered conditions until rice fully absorbs liquid and achieves tender consistency.
6. Creamy Fusion: Combine cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, sour cream, and half the shredded cheese with the rice. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors and textures.
7. Baking Finale: Transfer the harmonized mixture to the prepared baking dish, crown with remaining cheese. Envelop with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling blanket.
8. Resting Phase: Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and texture to stabilize before serving.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned and crumbled for maximum flavor development and even texture throughout the casserole.
• Rice Moisture Management: Let rice rest covered after cooking to absorb remaining liquid, preventing a dry or undercooked final dish.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Cover with foil during initial baking to prevent cheese from burning while allowing even melting and golden edges.
• Resting Period Importance: Allow casserole to rest 5 minutes after baking to stabilize ingredients and let flavors meld together for a more cohesive taste experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg