Irresistible Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort arrives in a warm, cheesy ground beef and rice casserole that promises pure satisfaction for hungry families.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic one-pan meal.

Layers of tender rice mingle with seasoned meat and melted cheese, creating a delightful symphony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners become instantly exciting with this simple yet delicious recipe.

Minimal prep work means you can have a wholesome meal on the table in under an hour.

Savory aromas will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to dive into this comforting dish.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Why Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Is Comfort Food at Its Best

• Simplify Family Meals: Tackle dinnertime stress with this one-pan wonder that combines hearty ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese into a satisfying meal everyone will love.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add vegetables like peas or carrots to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for using up leftovers and reducing food waste.
• Quick Comfort Food: Prepare this delicious casserole in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a fast, filling dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Use affordable ingredients like ground beef and rice to create a crowd-pleasing dish that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Rice: A fluffy and filling base that helps bind the casserole ingredients together.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds creamy texture and tangy flavor.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Sour Cream: Ingredients that create a smooth and rich sauce for the casserole.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste and bring depth to the dish.

How to Prepare Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give a casserole dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking. This ensures your dish will cook evenly and release easily.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef into a skillet over medium heat. Cook until the meat turns a rich golden brown, breaking it up into small crumbles. Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Mix

• Browned ground beef
• Cooked rice
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until well blended, creating a creamy and delicious mixture.

Step 4: Prep for Baking

Pour the beef and rice mixture into your greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula to ensure consistent cooking and flavor distribution.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and the edges are slightly golden brown. The dish should look tempting and smell amazing.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Scoop onto plates and enjoy this comforting, cheesy meal with your family or friends.

Pro Tips for Creamy and Flavorful Casserole

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and make the dish healthier.
• Use brown rice for added nutritional value and a nutty flavor profile.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack for unique taste variations.
• Add frozen mixed vegetables to boost nutritional content and create a more balanced meal.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

Variations to Customize Your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Southwestern Fiesta: Add diced green chiles, black beans, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb: Incorporate crumbled feta, chopped spinach, and mix in dried oregano and basil for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Protein Power Boost: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, and mix in quinoa instead of rice for a higher protein alternative.
• Veggie Lover's Remix: Substitute ground beef with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly casserole.

Pairing Suggestions for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Green Salad: A fresh, tangy salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheesy beef casserole, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Bold Red Wine: A medium-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot matches the hearty flavors of the beef and cheese, enhancing the overall dining experience with its robust character.
• Serve with Roasted Garlic Bread: Crusty, buttery garlic bread offers a perfect side to soak up the creamy sauce and adds a delightful crunch to the meal's texture profile.
• Balance with Chilled Cucumber Yogurt Sauce: A cool, herbed yogurt sauce provides a light, tangy counterpoint to the rich, warm casserole, adding a fresh Mediterranean-inspired touch.

Storage Advice for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

FAQs About Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole, providing similar texture and flavor.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Children love the cheesy, comforting combination of beef, rice, and melted cheese, making it a perfect family meal.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cheese, lean ground beef or turkey, and swap cream of mushroom soup for a homemade lighter version to reduce calories and fat.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready to serve, which makes meal planning easier.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole, a hearty dish that brings family together around the dinner table. Melted cheese, seasoned beef, and fluffy rice combine into a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Starches:

• 1 cup cooked rice

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F and lightly coat a casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Place ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until no pink remains, then carefully drain accumulated fat.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned meat with pre-cooked rice, creating a hearty base for the casserole.
4. Fold in cream of mushroom soup, stirring gently to integrate the creamy element throughout the mixture.
5. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution for consistent cheesy flavor in every bite.
6. Mix in sour cream, which will add richness and create a smooth, luxurious texture to the casserole.
7. Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, thoroughly blending to distribute spices evenly.
8. Transfer the combined ingredients into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform cooking.
9. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges become golden and the center is bubbling hot.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and casserole to set.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty flavor to the casserole.
• Enhance the dish’s texture by topping with crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking for a delightful crunchy layer.
• Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and using less added salt, making it heart-friendly for those watching their salt intake.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg