Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re after pure comfort food that warms you from the inside out, look no further than Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole. This family favorite brings together tender ground beef, fluffy rice, gooey melted cheese, and savory seasonings in one harmonious bake. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re feeding a hungry crowd, nothing beats the easy assembly and reliable deliciousness of this dish. It’s the kind of meal that instantly makes everyone feel right at home.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole a staple is how it transforms simple kitchen staples into pure magic. Each ingredient has its own crucial role, contributing flavor, texture, or a pop of color that helps the casserole shine.

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for hearty flavor without excess grease, perfect as the casserole’s savory base.
• Cooked White Rice: Fluffy rice soaks up all the delicious flavors and creates that classic, satisfying texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Loads of freshly shredded cheddar cheese melt into creamy, gooey perfection that ties everything together.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds a velvety texture and subtle umami, ensuring every bite is ultra-satisfying.
• Onion: Fresh diced onion brings sweetness and depth, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Bell Pepper: Use any color for sweetness and a pop of color that brightens the whole casserole.
• Garlic: A couple of cloves go a long way, adding aromatic depth to the beef mixture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned or fresh, tomatoes provide juiciness, a mild tang, and extra veggies.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash enhances savory notes and gives that satisfying, secret kick.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple but vital for seasoning every layer and drawing out the best flavors.
• Paprika (optional): Sprinkling paprika on top gives color and subtle smokiness—totally worth it!

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. Once the meat is mostly cooked, stir in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully browned. This step builds the flavorful foundation of your casserole, ensuring every bite is savory and aromatic.

Step 2: Mix in the Flavor Boosters

Next, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and a good splash of Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine, then let the mixture simmer for a few minutes. This creates a luscious, creamy beef mixture bursting with flavor, making your Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole rich and satisfying.

Step 3: Combine with Rice and Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the cooked rice and about 2/3 of your cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is evenly distributed and well-coated with that creamy goodness. The rice will drink up some of the sauce, making every forkful perfectly moist and cheesy.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously over the top and, if you love a little extra color and flavor, dust the surface with paprika. Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. The kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible at this point!

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let your Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This makes it easier to slice and helps all those delectable flavors meld together. Now it’s ready to serve fresh and hot, in all its cheesy, steaming glory.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Garnishes

As soon as your casserole comes out of the oven, scatter a handful of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions over the top for fresh flavor and color. A few diced tomatoes or a dollop of sour cream can add a cool, creamy contrast that pairs perfectly with the cheesy, savory flavors.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is hearty all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple side salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A crisp, zesty salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint, while buttered green beans or a crunchy slaw bring even more vegetables to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in mini cast iron pans for a rustic, homestyle feel, or use a large serving spoon to pile generous scoops onto plates for a more casual family dinner. If you’re hosting a party, cut the casserole into neat squares and top each with a toothpick-skewered pickle or olive for an eye-catching appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight suppers.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat straight from the freezer, adjusting the baking time as needed.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual servings until piping hot, or rewarm larger portions in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and heated through. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before popping it back in the oven for that signature melty top.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a wonderful nutty flavor and a bit of extra chew. Just make sure it’s cooked beforehand, as it takes longer to soften than white rice.

What other veggies can I add?

Feel free to toss in corn, peas, mushrooms, or even chopped spinach for more color and nutrition. This recipe is super adaptable, so use whatever you have on hand or want to sneak in for picky eaters.

Can I make Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time until heated through and bubbly.

Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can swap in cream of chicken soup, or make your own simple white sauce if you prefer fewer processed ingredients. Just blend butter, flour, milk, and a little broth until thick, then use as directed.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for big flavor, but you can mix things up with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even mozzarella for extra gooeyness. Just be sure to use a good melting cheese so your Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole stays creamy.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is one of those reliable, nostalgic dishes that brings pure joy to any table. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want an easy, cheesy meal for yourself, give this recipe a try and make it your own. You’ll be amazed by how quickly it disappears and how much everyone loves it!

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