If you’re craving a comforting family favorite that’s bursting with rich flavors and cheesy goodness, then you’re going to love this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe. This dish perfectly balances savory ground beef, tender rice, creamy mushroom soup, and melty cheddar cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a satisfying one-pan meal that brings warmth and hearty comfort to any table, making it ideal for those busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners with people you care about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully combined ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that turn this casserole into a real crowd-pleaser.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base packed with protein and flavor.
- 1 small onion finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- 2 garlic cloves minced: Offers a fragrant kick that wakes up the palate.
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: Absorbs all the savory juices and becomes tender, creating a perfect texture.
- 2½ cups beef broth: Infuses the rice and beef with robust meaty flavor and moisture.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Brings creaminess and a subtle earthiness that ties everything together.
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots): Introduces bursts of color, freshness, and added nutrition.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Melts throughout and tops the casserole with gooey, golden deliciousness.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami and deepens the savory profile.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a hint of smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle spiciness to balance the richness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter: Used to sauté the aromatics and add richness at the start.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics and Brown the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your casserole filling is done. Then, warm olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook it until it softens and smells sweet, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds—this short step really brings out the garlic’s flavor without burning it. Now, add your ground beef, breaking it up as you cook until it’s fully browned. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
To the skillet with beef, stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, frozen vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mixing everything together thoroughly lets the rice and veggies soak in those fabulous flavors. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese; this cheesy addition will melt into the mixture beautifully.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Pour the beef and rice mixture evenly into the dish. Cover the top tightly with foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 35 minutes. After that, take off the foil and gently stir the casserole, which helps redistribute heat and textures. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top for a melty, golden finish. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the cheese is bubbly and browned just right. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to let everything settle.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions on top adds a beautiful pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast to the rich casserole. A dollop of sour cream can also bring a creamy tang that complements the cheesy beef mixture perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli can add a refreshing brightness to your meal. Crusty bread or garlic bread on the side helps soak up any extra sauce and adds a delightful crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve this casserole straight from the dish family-style, allowing everyone to scoop their favorite portion. Alternatively, scoop individual servings onto plates alongside sides and garnishes for a more polished presentation. You could even bake this casserole in smaller ramekins for personal portions that make every serving feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. After it has completely cooled, wrap it tightly with foil and place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. For convenience, consider freezing individual portions to grab and heat as needed without defrosting the whole dish.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to retain moisture, about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to cover to keep from drying out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup with another type?
Absolutely! You can swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of cheddar, cream of celery, or even cream of chicken soup to subtly change the flavor profile. Each brings its own unique richness while maintaining the creamy texture essential for this casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, to make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and check that your soup choice is vegetarian-friendly. The cheesy and creamy elements will still provide satisfying richness.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You may need to adjust the beef broth quantity and bake longer to ensure the rice cooks fully. Alternatively, partially cooking the brown rice beforehand can help achieve the best texture.
How spicy is this casserole? Can I add heat?
The basic Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is mild, but it’s easy to add heat if you love some spice. Consider mixing in crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to taste before baking.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance and bake it later?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge to ensure it’s heated through perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is truly a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dish that brings convenience without sacrificing flavor or comfort. Its blend of simple ingredients, cheesy goodness, and meaty richness makes it a staple you’ll return to time and time again. I hope you enjoy every melty, savory bite as much as I do, and that it becomes one of your go-to recipes for satisfying weeknight dinners or relaxed family meals.
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-pan meal perfect for family dinners. Featuring tender ground beef, tender rice, mixed vegetables, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The cream of mushroom soup adds a creamy texture, while spices and Worcestershire sauce enhance the savory profile. Baked to perfection with a bubbly cheese topping, it’s a satisfying dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 2½ cups beef broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pan to avoid greasiness.
- Add Rice and Soup Mixture: Stir in the uncooked long grain white rice, beef broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, frozen mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly ensuring the ingredients are well combined.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to add creamy cheesiness right into the mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. This allows the rice to cook and absorb all the flavorful liquids.
- Add Cheese Topping and Finish Baking: Carefully remove the foil and gently stir the casserole. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly for easier serving and enhanced flavor melding.
Notes
- For extra flavor variation, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of cheddar or cream of celery soup.
- If you enjoy a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture before baking.
- You can use butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor in the sauté step.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the cooked beef to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
