If you’re craving a warm, hearty, and utterly comforting dish, this Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner that you’ll want to make again and again. Combining savory ground beef with tender rice, a touch of spice from diced tomatoes with green chilies, and loads of melted cheddar cheese, this casserole comes together in one pan to create a meal that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish delivers big on flavor and ease, making it a true family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe right is all about the balance of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of taste, texture, and gorgeous color that make this casserole feel like a special treat but with the comfort of home-cooked goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for browning the beef and adding a subtle richness to the base.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star protein providing hearty flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): A punch of aromatic intensity that lifts the whole dish.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: Absorbs all those savory juices to become perfectly tender.
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth: Keeps the rice moist while infusing extra beefy flavor.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Brings creamy texture and umami richness.
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained): Adds a subtle kick and vibrant color.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Smoked warmth that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Herbal notes to brighten the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: To add gentle heat and complexity.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): The gooey, melty magic that makes this casserole irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): A fresh and colorful finishing touch.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula, until it’s nicely caramelized and no longer pink. This browning step is crucial as it builds deep savory flavors and a satisfying texture for your casserole.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the beef is browned, add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook everything together for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. This step adds sweetness and aromatic layers that lift the overall profile.
Step 3: Combine Rice and Liquids
To your beef mixture, stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. The rice will absorb all the delicious liquid as it cooks, infusing every bite with flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Add paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Gently bring the skillet to a simmer, allowing all the flavors to meld momentarily. Then, remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, creating a creamy cheesy base that promises comfort in every mouthful.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 45 minutes. This slow cooking ensures the rice is tender and the flavors have mingled thoroughly.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese Topping
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to let everything set beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. If you like a little extra zing, a light drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream pairs wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a complete meal but pairs deliciously with simple sides like a crisp green salad for freshness or steamed veggies to add more texture and nutrients. A crusty bread roll can also be a nice companion to soak up any extra cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch at dinner parties. Alternatively, layering it with some sautéed mushrooms or mixing in colorful bell peppers before baking can elevate the presentation and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover the casserole tightly with foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It reheats well and often tastes even better the next day when the flavors have further developed.
Freezing
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, portion it out or keep it whole in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but covering loosely helps retain moisture so it doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be substituted, but because it takes longer to cook, you’ll want to increase the baking time by about 15 to 20 minutes and make sure there’s enough liquid in the casserole so the rice cooks through properly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, you can use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup and substitute the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. The flavor might shift slightly but will still be delicious.
What if I want to add vegetables?
Great idea! Stirring in frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers before baking adds color, nutrients, and freshness, making the casserole even more wholesome.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?
Yes! You can assemble the dish up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking it directly from the fridge.
How spicy is this casserole with diced tomatoes and green chilies?
The heat is mild and balanced by the cheese and cream of mushroom soup. However, if you’re sensitive to spice, you can drain the tomatoes more thoroughly or use diced tomatoes without chilies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so rewarding about digging into a warm, cheesy, perfectly balanced casserole after a busy day, and this Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe hits all those comforting notes perfectly. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and tastes way more special than the effort involved. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon — your family and friends will thank you for bringing this cheesy, flavorful goodness to the table!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty American classic that combines savory browned ground beef, tender rice, creamy mushroom soup, and a melty layer of cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, this easy one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners and can be customized with added vegetables or rice substitutions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Optional Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon to crumble evenly.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, enhancing flavor.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, 2 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, and 1 can drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix to combine evenly.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer on the stovetop, allowing flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it melts into the savory mixture.
- Transfer and Bake Covered: Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Top with Remaining Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but increase the baking time by 15–20 minutes and ensure adequate liquid to cook the rice through.
- For extra nutrition and flavor, stir in frozen peas or diced bell peppers into the mixture prior to baking.
- Use gluten-free condensed soup to make this recipe gluten-free.
