If you’re looking for pure comfort in a single dish, Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is your weeknight dinner hero. This one-pan wonder combines tender ground beef, creamy soups, fluffy rice, sweet peas and carrots, and a glorious layer of melted cheddar, all baked together until bubbling and golden. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or need a dish that reheats like a dream, this casserole is hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy every craving for something warm and cheesy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is how it transforms humble pantry and fridge staples into something spectacular. Each ingredient brings its own magic, from savory richness to pops of color and melty cheese goodness. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one makes a difference:
- Ground beef: The star of the show, providing savory flavor and hearty protein for the casserole base.
- Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth as it cooks with the beef.
- Garlic: Just two cloves give a fragrant punch and round out the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer and bringing all the tastes together.
- Paprika: A gentle smoky warmth that complements both the beef and the cheese.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the casserole with a touch of herby brightness.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and a subtle earthy flavor.
- Cream of chicken soup: Lends a silky texture and savory backbone to the sauce.
- Beef broth: Gives the rice plenty of flavor as it cooks and keeps the casserole moist.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice: The perfect canvas for all the cheesy, beefy goodness to soak into.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and creates that irresistible cheesy crust on top.
- Frozen peas and carrots: Bring a pop of color and sweetness that brighten up each bite.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle on top adds freshness and a little visual flair.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. Having everything ready to go makes this casserole even easier to assemble.
Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Veggies
In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together. Stir and break up the beef until it’s browned and the onion turns soft and translucent, about 6 to 7 minutes. This step builds the delicious base of your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let everything cook for another minute to toast the spices and make the kitchen smell absolutely amazing. If your beef has rendered a lot of fat, drain off the excess before moving on.
Step 4: Mix in the Creamy Ingredients
Add both cans of soup (cream of mushroom and cream of chicken), pour in the beef broth, toss in the uncooked rice, one cup of cheddar cheese, and the thawed peas and carrots. Stir everything together until fully combined. You’ll notice the mixture is thick and hearty, exactly what you want!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the beef and rice mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover tightly with foil to keep all the moisture in, then bake for 50 to 55 minutes. The rice will become perfectly tender as it soaks up all that flavor.
Step 6: Add the Cheesy Topping
Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return the casserole to the oven uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes. The cheese will melt, bubble, and form a golden, irresistible crown.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is beautifully melted, pull your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole from the oven. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving up generous, gooey scoops!
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, adding color and a little brightness. For even more flavor, try a sprinkle of sliced green onions, a dusting of smoked paprika, or a bit of extra black pepper right before serving. These simple touches can make your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole look and taste restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli for extra color and crunch. Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread are always welcome for soaking up every last bit of cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for personal portions. Or turn leftovers into stuffed bell peppers: just fill halved peppers with the casserole, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly. Kids also love scooping it up with tortilla chips for a playful, nacho-style meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking. Properly stored, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors meld together even more as it sits, making leftovers taste just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer superstar! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20-25 minutes for a whole pan, less for single servings). You can also microwave individual portions until piping hot, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep things moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great substitute, but keep in mind it needs a longer baking time (about 15 to 20 minutes more) and a bit of extra broth, since it takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid.
Is it possible to make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Chopped bell peppers, corn, spinach, or even diced zucchini work well in this casserole. Just add them in with the peas and carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I swap out the cheese?
Certainly! While cheddar is classic for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack (for a spicy kick) will all melt beautifully and change up the flavor profile.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Be sure to cover the dish tightly with foil while baking so the rice steams and absorbs the sauce. If you notice the casserole looks a little dry after baking, simply add a splash of beef broth before reheating and cover again to restore its creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the ultimate cozy dinner, Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is calling your name. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable to whatever your family loves. Give it a try this week and watch everyone come back for seconds—this casserole is destined to become a favorite at your table!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish combining savory ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese. Enhanced with flavorful seasonings, creamy soups, and mixed vegetables, it bakes into a satisfying one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Soups and Liquids
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
Grains and Cheese
- 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy serving.
- Cook Ground Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion has softened, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning and cook for an additional minute to release their flavors. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, beef broth, uncooked rice, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and the thawed peas and carrots until everything is well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes. This allows the rice to cook through and absorb the liquid.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice; if you do, increase baking time by 15 to 20 minutes and add extra broth as needed because brown rice takes longer to cook.
- For a spicy twist, stir in diced green chilies or replace cheddar cheese with pepper jack cheese before baking.
- This casserole is ideal for meal prepping as it reheats well, making it a great make-ahead dinner option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
