A cozy, family-friendly casserole that comes together quickly and delivers cheesy, satisfying comfort food with minimal fuss.
introduction
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a simple, one-dish weeknight winner — hearty ground beef, tender rice, a creamy mushroom sauce, and plenty of cheddar baked until bubbly. For the full walk-through and measurements on another trusted cooking resource, see the detailed recipe page at Mayonnaise Recipe, which complements the guidance below.
why make this recipe
- Fast to prepare using mostly pantry staples and leftovers (cooked rice).
- Kid-friendly flavors: mild cream soup, cheddar, and ground beef.
- Easy to scale up for meal prep or to feed a crowd.
- Comforting, reheats well, and freezes nicely for future meals.
how to make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This casserole is assembled in a few straightforward steps: brown the beef and onions, stir in garlic, mix a creamy soup-and-milk sauce, combine with cooked rice and half the cheese, top with remaining cheese, and bake until hot and golden. The provided Directions below give the step-by-step process; follow them closely for best results.
Ingredients :
1 lb lean ground beef, 1 small onion, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 cups cooked white rice, 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken), 1/2 cup milk or beef broth, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided), 1 tsp paprika, Salt and pepper to taste, Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Directions :
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Assemble: In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix well to combine. Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Finish baking: Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
how to serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Serve hot straight from the baking dish. Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables (broccoli or green beans), or crusty bread to balance the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a fresh finish.
how to store Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
- Freezer: Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating; add a splash of broth or milk while reheating if it seems dry.
tips to make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Use day-old or chilled cooked rice for best texture; freshly made hot rice can make the casserole watery.
- Drain excess fat from the browned beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Adjust the soup and milk ratio if you prefer a thicker (less liquid) or saucier casserole.
- Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn with the rice for added color and nutrition.
- For extra flavor, sauté the onion in a bit of butter until caramelized before adding the beef.
variation (if any)
- Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken or celery for different flavor profiles.
- Substitute ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for beef to lighten the dish.
- Mix in a can of drained black beans and chili powder for a southwestern twist.
- Use a Mexican cheese blend and a can of diced green chilies for a Tex-Mex version.
Conclusion
For another take on this comforting casserole and additional tips, check out this helpful reference from Oh Sweet Basil’s Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.
FAQ
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes — use cooked brown rice, but note it may be firmer and may change the baking time slightly.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Replace ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Q: Is it safe to reheat multiple times?
A: Reheat only the portion you plan to eat; repeated reheating affects quality and food safety.
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix well to combine.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
