Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Introduction

Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm, bubbling Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole fresh out of the oven. It’s a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines creamy mushroom sauce, savory beef, tender rice, and melty cheddar cheese into one satisfying bite. Here at Bake Warely, we love turning simple ingredients into recipes that bring everyone to the table with joy. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping ahead for a crowd, this casserole will never disappoint.

My Recipe Story

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole was born out of nostalgia. My mom used to make a version of it on cold evenings when we needed something warm and filling after school. Over the years, I tweaked the recipe to make it creamier and cheesier — just how my family loves it. The magic lies in the balance between the cream of mushroom soup and the melted cheddar, which coats every grain of rice and piece of beef with velvety comfort. It’s now one of our go-to dinners that never fails to please guests and kids alike.

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what makes this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole so comforting and delicious:

• Ground beef (1½ pounds): The hearty base of the dish. Choose lean beef for less grease and more flavor absorption.
• Cooked white rice (2 cups): Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Leftover rice works great!
• Cream of mushroom soup (1 can): Adds richness and creaminess while binding the ingredients together.
• Milk (½ cup): Lightens the texture and helps the sauce coat everything smoothly.
• Cheddar cheese (1½ cups, divided): Half goes into the casserole for flavor, and half melts beautifully on top.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Brings depth and umami to the beef.
• Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon) & Onion powder (¼ teaspoon): Enhance the savory profile.
• Salt and pepper: To taste — adjust as needed before baking.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet for browning the beef
• Mixing bowl for combining ingredients
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Oven and oven mitts
• Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheddar)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor. This step builds the foundation of your casserole — the more flavor you infuse now, the richer the final dish will taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until well combined. This creamy mixture will bind the beef and rice, creating the luscious texture that defines the Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Fold the cooked beef and rice into the creamy mixture. Make sure the rice is evenly coated and no clumps remain. The balance between rice and sauce ensures each bite is rich and flavorful. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before transferring it to your casserole dish.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Grease your baking dish lightly and pour in the beef-rice mixture. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. The top layer of cheese will melt into a bubbly, golden crust that makes this dish irresistibly delicious.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling. Let it cool slightly before serving — this helps the casserole set for easy slicing. Serve it warm with a simple green salad or roasted veggies.

Variations & Substitutions

• Different meats: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for beef.
• Add vegetables: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or chopped spinach for extra nutrients.
• Change the soup: Use cream of chicken or celery for a different flavor base.
• Cheese swap: Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a creamier melt.
• Spice it up: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a mild kick.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover and microwave until warmed through or bake at 325°F for 15 minutes. For freezing, cool the casserole completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can also prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day for a stress-free dinner prep.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or buttery garlic bread. It’s also perfect alongside a bowl of tomato soup for extra warmth. For a full meal idea, check out our Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake for another comforting classic. For even more inspiration, visit Allrecipes to explore creative casserole variations and sides.

FAQ

Can I make this casserole without soup?

Yes! Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade sauce made from butter, flour, and milk for a fresher flavor.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice holds its texture well, but jasmine or basmati rice can add subtle aroma and flavor.

Can I use brown rice?

Absolutely. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before mixing — brown rice takes longer to soften in the oven.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, replace the beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly version.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Don’t overbake and make sure your mixture is creamy before going into the oven. Adding extra milk can also help keep it moist.

Final Thoughts

The Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the kind of dish that brings people together — hearty, creamy, and deliciously satisfying. With its balance of tender rice, savory beef, and gooey cheese, it’s everything a comfort meal should be. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or feeding a hungry family, this casserole delivers every time. Give it a try, and it just might become a new tradition in your home kitchen.

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

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• Author: Sarah Mitchell
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A hearty, creamy, and cheesy ground beef rice casserole that’s pure comfort food in every bite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

→ For the Casserole Base

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup water

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

→ For the Cheese Layer

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)

• 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the dish)

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

• Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.

• Cook beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

• Combine base: Add uncooked rice, beef broth, water, both cream soups, sour cream, paprika, pepper, salt, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir until everything is well mixed.

• Add cheese: Mix in 1 cup of cheddar cheese, reserving the rest for topping. Stir until slightly melted and creamy.

• Assemble: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

• Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

• Top and melt: Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

• Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

• Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for more nutrition.

• Use pre-cooked rice to cut baking time by 15–20 minutes.

• For a crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes after baking.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 95mg