Thank you so much for being here. Truly. It means the world to know you’re searching for something cozy and homemade — something that brings comfort and flavor to your table without needing hours in the kitchen.
Let me tell you, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole? It delivers on all fronts. Warm, savory, and irresistibly cheesy, this is the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds (and thirds). It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or a meal prep session where you want to feed your future self something really good.
I promised easy, satisfying, and full of heart — and here it is. ❤️
🧾 Overview of Recipe Content
This casserole is a creamy, savory blend of seasoned ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, sautéed aromatics, and plenty of gooey cheddar cheese. We throw in some frozen peas and carrots for balance, but you can easily swap in your own favorites. Think of it as your kitchen’s version of a warm hug.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor.
- Ultra comforting: Think cheesy, beefy, rich, and cozy.
- Customizable: Make it spicy, veggie-packed, or even low-carb.
- Make-ahead friendly: Preps beautifully the day before.
- Crowd-pleasing: Even picky eaters come around for this one!
🧀 What It Tastes Like
Picture this: each spoonful gives you tender beef, fluffy seasoned rice, and melty cheddar with hints of garlic and onion throughout. It’s got that “grandma’s kitchen” warmth with a cheesy twist — creamy in the middle and golden brown on top.
🥩 Benefits of This Dish
- Great source of protein from beef and cheese
- Easily sneaks in vegetables for balanced nutrition
- Budget-friendly — uses pantry staples and stretches easily
- Feeds a crowd or fills lunchboxes all week
- Perfect comfort food for when you just need something easy and good
🛒 Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need for a 9x13-inch casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1 cup frozen peas & carrots (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
🧰 Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium saucepan for rice
- 9x13 casserole dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl (optional)
- Cheese grater (unless using pre-shredded)
🔁 Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
| Want to Make It… | Try This Instead |
|---|---|
| Extra creamy | Use cream of chicken or celery soup |
| Spicy | Add diced green chiles or red pepper flakes |
| Vegetarian | Swap beef for lentils or mushrooms |
| Low-carb | Use riced cauliflower in place of rice |
| Even cheesier | Add cream cheese or mozzarella |
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13" baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
🍚 Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine:
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups beef broth
Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15–18 minutes. Fluff with a fork when done and set aside.
🧅 Step 3: Sauté Onion & Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tbsp olive oil or butter. Add:
- Chopped onion
- Minced garlic
Sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
🥩 Step 4: Brown the Beef
Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat, but leave a little for flavor.
Season with:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika (if using)
🥘 Step 5: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl or directly in the skillet (if big enough), mix:
- Cooked rice
- Ground beef mixture
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Cheddar cheese
- Peas & carrots (optional)
Stir until well combined.
🧀 Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top, then sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese.
Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
🍽️ What to Serve It With
- Simple green salad or coleslaw
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Garlic bread or rolls
- Pickled vegetables or dill pickles for contrast
🧊 Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions or cover with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F.
💡 Tips for the Best Casserole Ever
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the rice — slightly underdone is better since it’ll bake more.
- Let it rest after baking so everything sets up nicely.
- Add a crunch — top with crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs before baking!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but it will take longer to cook and may need more broth. You can also pre-cook brown rice separately.
What if I don’t like mushrooms?
Substitute cream of chicken soup or cream of cheddar instead of mushroom.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger casserole dish or two smaller ones. Baking time may increase slightly.
🥳 Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is everything you want in a weeknight meal: warm, easy, filling, and totally satisfying. Whether you're feeding your family, bringing a dish to a potluck, or prepping lunch for the week, this one’s a total winner.
Seriously… this is comfort food that shows up, delivers, and stays in your recipe box forever. I hope it becomes one of your new favorites, just like it is for us.
📸 Share Your Casserole!
Did you try this recipe?
Tag me on Pinterest or share your photo with the hashtag #CheesyCasseroleLove — I’d love to see your creation!
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🧮 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Values may vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.
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