Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd. Combining savory ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheese, this one-dish wonder will quickly become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and customizable, making it the ideal go-to dinner when you need something quick and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – Just brown, mix, and bake!

• Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples that you likely already have at home.

• Customizable – Feel free to add veggies or swap out the meat for your preferred protein.

• Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Casserole Base

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)

• 1 (10.5 oz) can tomato soup

• 1 ½ cups beef broth

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt & pepper to taste

Cheesy Topping

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup frozen mixed veggies (peas, carrots, corn)

• ½ cup sliced mushrooms

• 1 tsp hot sauce for a kick

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

3. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened.

4. Prepare the casserole base: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, tomato soup, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt and pepper. Add in the uncooked rice and bring everything to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

5. Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

6. Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.

7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the rice is fully cooked.

8. Optional add-ins: If you’re adding frozen veggies or sliced mushrooms, stir them into the casserole base before transferring to the baking dish, or sprinkle them over the top before baking.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 35-40 minutes

• Total time: 45-50 minutes

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes or heat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner substitute for ground beef. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. You’ll need to increase the liquid in the recipe by about ¼ cup and bake the casserole longer (about 60 minutes) to ensure the rice is fully cooked.

How do I prevent the rice from being too dry?

Make sure to measure your rice properly, and ensure the casserole is covered during baking. Adding enough liquid is key to achieving fluffy, tender rice.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes! Frozen mixed vegetables, sliced mushrooms, or even bell peppers work great in this casserole. You can add them directly to the casserole base before baking.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to swap out cheddar and mozzarella for other cheeses like Monterey Jack, gouda, or a Mexican blend.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can. Brown the meat and sauté the onion and garlic on the stove, then transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Add the cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I make this recipe without cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with other soups like cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade cream sauce.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the rice is tender and fully cooked.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and filling meal that’s perfect for busy evenings, potlucks, or meal prepping. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or mix it up with your favorite add-ins, this dish is sure to please everyone around the table. Enjoy!