Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

There's nothing quite as comforting as a warm, cheesy casserole straight out of the oven. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect balance of hearty ground beef, tender rice, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped up in a creamy sauce. It's a family favorite that's just as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat.

I first discovered this recipe when I needed a quick dinner that could please both kids and adults. It quickly became a staple, offering that perfect combination of flavor and simplicity. With minimal prep and ingredients you likely already have, it's a go-to meal for busy weeknights.

Let’s dive into why this casserole deserves a spot on your weekly menu.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food! This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole checks all the boxes for an ideal weeknight dinner.

First, it’s quick and easy to prepare. With just a few steps—browning the beef, cooking the rice, and layering everything together—it comes together in under an hour, most of which is hands-off oven time.

It’s also budget-friendly. Using pantry staples like rice, ground beef, and a handful of cheese, you can feed your family without breaking the bank.

Another reason to love this casserole? Kid-approved flavor! The creamy sauce, melty cheese, and mild seasonings make it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.

Lastly, this dish is incredibly versatile. Whether you need to use up leftover veggies or switch out the protein, it’s a forgiving recipe that adapts to your kitchen.

Once you try it, you'll see why it’s a crowd-pleaser that always delivers.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity, but the ingredients each play an important role in the final flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground beef: Choose 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Rice: White rice works best here, but you can also use brown rice or even pre-cooked rice to save time.
• Cheese: A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella creates the ultimate gooey, cheesy top layer. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or Colby.
• Cream of mushroom soup: This adds creaminess and ties the dish together. You can also use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
• Beef broth: Enhances the flavor and keeps the rice moist as it bakes.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper are simple but pack a punch. Don’t skip them!
• Veggies (optional): Frozen peas, carrots, or even diced bell peppers can be added for extra nutrients.

You’ll also need a 9x13-inch casserole dish and a large skillet for cooking the beef.

How To Make This Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

Making this casserole is as simple as layering flavors for a hearty, delicious meal. Here’s how:

1. Prepare the rice: Cook the rice according to the package instructions. If using pre-cooked or leftover rice, skip this step.
2. Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
3. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, rice, cream of mushroom soup, half of the shredded cheese, and seasonings. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
4. Assemble the casserole: Spread the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with a crisp green salad.

This entire process takes about 45 minutes, making it a great option for busy evenings.

Storage Options

This casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals or leftovers.

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to make it your own!

• Protein swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
• Cheese options: Switch up the cheese with your favorites like Gouda, Swiss, or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty meat-free dish.
• Low-carb version: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbs while keeping the flavors intact.
• Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.

Don’t be afraid to experiment—this casserole is forgiving and delicious no matter how you customize it!

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Easy to make, satisfying to eat, and perfect for leftovers, it’s destined to become a family favorite. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness!

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