There's something magical about a bubbling casserole coming out of the oven - golden cheese on top, the scent of savory beef and herbs filling the kitchen, and that first creamy, comforting bite. This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.
Whether you're feeding a hungry family, prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this easy one-dish dinner is your go-to. It's creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor - all made with simple pantry ingredients!
💌 Love simple comfort food? Subscribe below to get more hearty weeknight recipes straight to your inbox.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- 🥄 One-pan simplicity - minimal prep and cleanup.
- 🍚 Family favorite - kid-approved and crowd-pleasing.
- 🧀 Creamy, cheesy perfection in every bite.
- ⏱️ Quick to make - ready in under an hour.
- 🍲 Great for leftovers - reheats beautifully the next day!
What It Tastes Like
Imagine the rich, seasoned flavor of perfectly browned beef blended with fluffy rice, tender vegetables, and melty cheese all bound together in a creamy sauce. The top layer crisps slightly in the oven, while the inside stays gooey and savory.
It's a cross between a cheeseburger and a rice bake - comforting, hearty, and absolutely irresistible.
Benefits of This Recipe
✅ Easy to make with everyday ingredients
✅ Perfect make-ahead or freezer meal
✅ Budget-friendly comfort food
✅ Feeds a crowd with minimal effort
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Casserole
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn - optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, adds warmth and color)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or parsley)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Tools You'll Need
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Saucepan (for rice, optional)
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Rice swap: Use brown rice or instant rice (adjust cooking time).
- Protein: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
- Cheese options: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend for extra gooeyness.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli for more texture.
- Make it creamy: Stir in ½ cup sour cream or a can of cream of mushroom soup before baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs.
If you're using frozen vegetables, stir them in now and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Broth
Pour in the uncooked rice and beef broth. Stir to combine everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a light simmer, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Dot with butter pieces, then sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
💡 Tip: For an extra crispy cheese crust, reserve a handful of cheddar to sprinkle on halfway through baking!
Step 5: Bake
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving - this helps the casserole set and makes slicing easier.
What to Serve With It
This dish pairs perfectly with:
- 🥗 Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- 🥖 Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- 🥦 Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
- 🍷 A glass of red wine or iced tea for balance
Tips for Success
- Always drain the beef well to avoid excess grease.
- Use freshly shredded cheese - it melts creamier than pre-shredded.
- Add a touch of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- If using instant rice, reduce the liquid by ½ cup and cut baking time by 10 minutes.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Store in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave for quick servings.
General Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
What kind of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice gives the perfect fluffy texture, but jasmine or basmati rice works too.
Can I skip the vegetables?
Of course - they're optional. The dish is just as delicious without them!
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is comfort food at its best - hearty, easy, and deeply satisfying. With every spoonful of seasoned beef, tender rice, and melty cheese, you'll understand why this dish is a timeless family favorite.
Whether it's a chilly night or a busy week, this casserole delivers the kind of warmth only a home-cooked meal can bring. ❤️
If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy:
- 🥘 Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes
- 🍲 Shrimp Dirty Rice Skillet
- 🍗 Southern Chicken and Rice Bake
📸 Tried it? Tag your photos with #MmmRecipes - I love seeing your cheesy creations!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~490
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 760mg
Leave a Reply