Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the perfect easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. With simple ingredients like ground beef, rice, and plenty of melted cheese, it comes together quickly for a comforting meal. For another delicious casserole option, try this Cornbread Casserole Recipe Easy or these Crispy Beef Cheese Chimichangas Recipe.

Ingredients

This comforting casserole delivers layers of savory ground beef, tender rice, and earthy mushrooms all smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce that bakes up bubbly and golden.

• 1 lb. ground beef, 85% lean
• 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 Tablespoons butter, divided
• ¾ cup onions, diced
• 1 Tablespoon garlic, minced
• 2 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 ¼ cups uncooked white long grain rice
• 8 oz. sliced button mushrooms, washed
• 10.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk, any kind
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Ingredients

Gather 1 pound of lean ground beef, 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice, 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of beef broth, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and your preferred seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pre-shredding the cheese ensures it melts evenly throughout the casserole.

Step 2 — Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned and no pink remains, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to prevent your Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole from becoming oily. For extra flavor, you can add diced onions to the skillet while browning the meat.

Step 3 — Combine the Casserole Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. The liquid from the soup and broth will cook the rice during baking, creating a perfectly moist casserole.

Step 4 — Transfer to Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour the beef and rice mixture into it, spreading it into an even layer. Using a wide, shallow dish ensures the rice cooks uniformly and allows for optimal browning on top. Press the mixture down gently with a spatula to eliminate air pockets.

Step 5 — Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 45 minutes. The foil trap steam, which is essential for properly cooking the rice. Check at the 40-minute mark—the rice should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 6 — Add the Cheese Topping

Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully take off the foil. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. For a golden, bubbly finish, return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly browned.

Step 7 — Rest Before Serving

Let the Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Step 8 — Garnish and Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your hearty casserole directly from the baking dish while it’s warm. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	24g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size for this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole.

Healthier Alternatives

• Ground Turkey or Chicken — Lighter protein option with a milder flavor that still pairs well with cheese and rice.
• Cauliflower Rice — Lower-carb alternative that absorbs the cheesy sauce while adding extra vegetables.
• Quinoa — Higher-protein grain swap that offers a nutty flavor and fluffy texture.
• Dairy-Free Cheese — Plant-based shreds or nutritional yeast for a creamy, melty finish without dairy.
• Lean Ground Beef (90/10 or leaner) — Reduces fat content while maintaining the classic beefy taste.
• Low-Sodium Broth & Soy Sauce — Cuts salt without sacrificing savory depth in your Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole.
• Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs or Oats — Crunchy topping alternative if your recipe calls for breadcrumbs.
• Added Veggies (Spinach, Bell Peppers, Zucchini) — Boost fiber and nutrients while blending seamlessly into the casserole.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Serve alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a complete and colorful meal.
• This casserole is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, as it’s easy to transport and serve a crowd.
• For a cozy weeknight dinner, plate it directly from the baking dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
• Transform leftovers by scooping the Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole into tortillas for delicious burritos the next day.
• Offer a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up every bit of the cheesy sauce.

This versatile dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any casual occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using instant rice, which turns mushy. Fix: Opt for long-grain white rice for the best texture.
• Mistake: Not browning the beef properly, leading to greasiness. Fix: Cook until fully browned and drain excess fat.
• Mistake: Adding raw rice directly without enough liquid. Fix: Ensure a 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio for perfect cooking.
• Mistake: Overmixing the casserole, making it gluey. Fix: Gently fold ingredients to maintain a fluffy consistency.
• Mistake: Using low-fat cheese that doesn’t melt well. Fix: Choose full-fat cheddar or a blend for optimal creaminess.
• Mistake: Skipping the seasoning step for the beef. Fix: Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic while browning.
• Mistake: Baking uncovered, causing dry edges. Fix: Cover with foil for most of the bake time to retain moisture.
• Mistake: Not letting the casserole rest before serving. Fix: Allow 5–10 minutes for the layers to set neatly.
• Mistake: Overloading with add-ins, unbalancing flavors. Fix: Stick to 1–2 complementary veggies like diced tomatoes or corn.
• Mistake: Using a shallow dish that leads to uneven cooking. Fix: A deep 9×13-inch pan ensures even heat distribution.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or bake the entire casserole covered at 350°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Always ensure your Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is cooled to room temperature before storing to maintain food safety and quality.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for a busy weeknight. If you enjoyed this easy dinner, try our Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe or French Onion Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe next. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more family-friendly meals!

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FAQs

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

Yes, you can assemble this casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

What type of rice works best for this casserole?

Long-grain white rice is ideal because it holds its texture well during baking. Avoid using instant rice, as it can become too soft. The rice cooks directly in the casserole, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the beef and cheese.

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken are excellent lean alternatives in this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole. You could also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to cook and season your substitute the same way as the beef.