There's nothing quite like the comfort of a Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole bubbling away in the oven. The combination of seasoned ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, and gooey melted cheese creates a dish that's both hearty and satisfying for any night of the week.

I first made this recipe on a chilly evening when I needed a quick, filling dinner. Since then, it has become a staple in our house, loved by both kids and adults alike. It's the ultimate comfort food that's simple to make and delivers big on flavor. Let’s dive into what makes this casserole so irresistible.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole
Get ready to add a new favorite to your meal rotation. This casserole is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a hungry family.
One of the best things about this dish is its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and one skillet, you can have dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can switch up the ingredients to suit your tastes or use what you already have at home. Ground turkey, brown rice, or even a mix of cheeses can give this dish a fresh twist every time.
It’s also a meal-prepper’s dream. Make it ahead of time and reheat it for a fuss-free dinner or a satisfying lunch. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
Finally, who doesn’t love a dish covered in melted cheese? The cheesy topping not only adds a rich, gooey layer but also locks in all the savory goodness of the casserole below.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this casserole lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to enhance flavor and texture. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.
Ground beef is the star of the show, providing a rich and hearty base for the dish. For the best flavor, use 85% lean ground beef, but you can opt for leaner varieties if you prefer.
White rice gives the casserole its comforting texture. Long-grain rice works best here because it stays fluffy and doesn’t clump together. You can substitute brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, but be sure to adjust the cooking time.
Onion and garlic are the aromatics that bring depth to the dish. Freshly diced onion and minced garlic create a savory foundation that enhances every bite.
Tomato sauce and beef broth work together to bind the casserole and add moisture. The tomato sauce provides a subtle tanginess, while the broth keeps the rice tender as it bakes.
Cheddar cheese is the finishing touch that takes this dish over the top. For the best melt and flavor, shred the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
If you have a large oven-safe skillet, you won’t even need a separate baking dish. It simplifies cleanup and allows you to go straight from stovetop to oven.
How To Make This Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

This casserole comes together easily with just a few steps. Let me guide you through the process.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. This step ensures a flavorful base for the casserole.
Add the ground beef back into the skillet along with uncooked rice, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the rice to begin absorbing the liquid.
Once the mixture is slightly thickened, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.
Storage Options
Leftovers of this casserole are just as delightful as the freshly baked version. Here’s how to store it for later.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled casserole into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It’s a great option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Label the containers with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating is a breeze. For single portions, use the microwave and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. For larger portions, cover the dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to make it your own.
Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten things up. You can even use plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
Use brown rice or even quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier spin. Just adjust the liquid ratio and cooking time accordingly.
If you like a little heat, add diced green chilies, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
For an extra veggie boost, stir in diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or chopped spinach. It’s an easy way to sneak in more nutrients.
Experiment with different cheeses. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack would add a fun twist to the classic cheddar topping.
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that will quickly earn a spot in your regular meal rotation. So grab your skillet, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a meal your whole family will adore!
PrintCheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe
This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is a delicious and easy recipe, combining creamy cheese, flavorful ground beef, and fluffy rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, combine uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and peas (if using). Mix well.
- Add cooked ground beef and onions to the dish, stirring to combine.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more nutrition.
- Adjust seasonings to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
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