Name: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice; 2 ½ cups beef broth; 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 3.8 from 49 reviews

If you’re searching for a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that combines hearty flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate—layered with savory ground beef, tender rice, and loads of melted cheddar cheese baked to bubbly perfection. Every bite offers a perfect balance of taste and texture, making it a trusty go-to for family dinners or when you want to impress with something fuss-free yet satisfying.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe just right is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding moisture, depth of flavor, or that irresistible cheesy finish.

1 lb ground beef: The star protein providing a rich, meaty base.
1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and a bit of texture.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and depth.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Offers just enough spice to balance richness.
1 teaspoon paprika: Brings smoky undertones and gentle color.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses herbal notes that elevate the casserole.
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: Cooked perfectly inside the casserole to soak up all the flavors.
2 ½ cups beef broth: Keeps the rice moist and ties the savory elements together.
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and richness with a comforting mushroom flavor.
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained: Introduces a mild kick and a little tang.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melts throughout for gooey texture and golden topping.
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter: Helps soften the onions and adds a touch of flavor.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Freshens and brightens the final presentation.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, then heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently cook the diced onion until it softens and becomes fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which takes roughly 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic alongside salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to build a deeply savory flavor base. If there’s any grease pooling, drain it off to keep the casserole from turning too oily.

Step 2: Combine the Mixture with Rice and Liquids

Once your beef is perfectly seasoned and browned, transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add the uncooked long-grain white rice, beef broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and the diced tomatoes with green chiles. Stir these all together thoroughly so each grain of rice is coated with the rich broth and the savory sauce. Finally, fold in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt into the casserole as it bakes, creating lush pockets of cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour the beef and rice mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing the top. Cover tightly with foil—this traps the steam to cook the rice perfectly. Pop it in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and gently stir everything to distribute flavors. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top, then return the casserole to the oven uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes. This final step lets the cheese melt into a bubbly, golden crown and allows the rice to finish cooking until tender.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of green and a bright, herbaceous note that perfectly balances the richness of the casserole. If you want to mix up the flavors, try a dash of hot sauce or some sliced green onions—it adds freshness and a little zing that wakes up every bite.

Side Dishes

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. Think a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Roasted carrots or a tangy coleslaw can also bring delightful contrast, cutting through the creaminess with their natural sweetness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation, perfect for dinner guests. You could also sprinkle extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top before popping it back in the oven to add a crispy cheese crust. Another idea is to add dollops of sour cream or a drizzle of salsa on the side to personalize each serving and add layers of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe, just let the dish cool to room temperature before covering it tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or reheated dinners during busy weeks.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully and can be prepped ahead of time too. To freeze, cool completely, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, preserving the texture and flavor.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Adding a splash of broth or water before reheating helps to keep the rice moist and the cheese melty without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?

Absolutely! Brown rice works well, but it requires longer cooking time and more liquid. Increase the beef broth to about 3 cups and bake the casserole around 15 to 20 minutes longer to ensure the rice softens properly.

Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll still get all the hearty, cheesy goodness without the meat.

Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely. Frozen peas, bell peppers, or corn are excellent additions. Simply stir them in with the rice and broth mixture before baking to sneak in extra nutrition and color.

What should I do if the casserole is too dry after baking?

If you find the casserole a bit dry, next time consider adding an extra ¼ cup of broth or soup. For the current dish, a quick splash of broth or a drizzle of olive oil before reheating can help revive its creamy texture.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Of course! While cheddar gives a classic flavor, mixing in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack can add new layers of taste and a gooey texture that your family will love.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those magical meals that brings everyone to the table with a smile. It’s straightforward to make, incredibly satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it becomes a trusted recipe to turn to when you want all the comfort of home cooking without any fuss. So grab those ingredients, get baking, and enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!