Speedy Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe for Dinner

Comfort food meets delicious simplicity in this ground beef and rice casserole that promises warm, satisfying flavors.

Every bite tells a story of home-cooked goodness waiting to be savored.

Packed with rich, meaty textures and tender rice, this classic dish delivers pure culinary comfort.

The casserole blends hearty ingredients into a one-pan meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Layers of seasoned ground beef mingle with fluffy rice, creating a perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this straightforward, mouthwatering recipe.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that brings everyone together around the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 365 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes In Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that creates a robust foundation, choose lean cuts for less grease and richer flavor.
• White Rice: Quick-cooking grain that absorbs delicious seasonings, select long-grain variety for perfect texture.

• Onion: Adds sweet depth and subtle crunch, fresh and firm onions work best.
• Garlic: Provides intense flavor backbone, choose plump cloves for maximum punch.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste profile, use kosher or sea salt for balanced seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Introduces gentle heat, freshly ground offers most vibrant taste.
• Paprika: Brings warm, slightly smoky undertone, use sweet or smoked variety.
• Oregano: Contributes Mediterranean herbal note, dried herbs work perfectly.

• Beef Broth: Creates rich liquid base, low-sodium version allows better flavor control.
• Condensed Soup: Provides creamy consistency and additional flavor complexity.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds bright acidity and moisture, drain excess liquid for ideal texture.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts into gorgeous golden topping, mix cheddar and monterey jack for depth.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional crispy layer, panko works wonderfully for extra crunch.
• Butter: Helps breadcrumbs brown and adds richness.
• Parsley: Fresh garnish for color and light herbal finish, chop just before serving.

Cooking Tools For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Large skillet: Essential for browning beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the casserole evenly.
• Foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to keep moisture locked in.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients like rice and broth.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
• Cheese grater: Optional, if you're grating cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded.
• Cutting board: Useful for chopping onions, garlic, and parsley garnish.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise ingredient preparation.

Steps To Make Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a sizzling 375°F and grab a 9×13 baking dish. Give it a quick grease to prevent any sticky situations.

• Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef into a large skillet and cook until it’s perfectly golden and crumbly. Drain away any extra fat for a lighter dish.

• Flavor Explosion

Toss in diced onions and let them soften. Sprinkle in garlic and spices, stirring until the kitchen smells amazing and everything is well mixed.

• Mix and Merge

Dump in uncooked rice, broth, soup, and tomatoes. Stir everything together until it looks like a delicious, unified masterpiece.

• Bake and Cover

Pour the mixture into your prepped baking dish. Wrap tightly with foil and slide into the hot oven.

• Cheese and Crisp

After 35 minutes, pull out the dish. Shower the top with a generous blanket of shredded cheese. Return to the oven uncovered for a final 10-minute melt.

• Serve and Devour

Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a pop of color. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy this comforting meal with your favorite people.

Flavor Tips For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the point of final baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through completely.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the same delicious flavor profile and creamy texture.
• Protein Power Boost: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still delivers incredible taste and nutrition.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or black beans and lentils to create a hearty vegetarian casserole that's equally satisfying and packed with flavor.
• Spice Lover's Upgrade: Add a kick by incorporating diced green chiles, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the casserole's heat and complexity for those who enjoy a little extra zest.

How To Serve Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Family Dinner Champion: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal that fills hungry bellies and brings everyone to the table with smiles. Perfect for weeknight dinners when time is short and appetites are big.
• Potluck Perfection: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings where comfort food reigns supreme. Its cheesy goodness and simple ingredients make it a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
• Fresh Side Kick: Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to add some freshness and balance to the rich, cheesy main dish. A light vinaigrette can cut through the casserole's richness beautifully.
• Leftover Magic: Store leftovers in an airtight container for quick lunches or reheat for a satisfying next-day meal. The flavors often improve overnight, making this an even more delicious option for meal prep.

How To Store Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain delicious flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Method: Portion cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 3 months for future easy meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated portions in microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring midway. For oven reheating, cover with foil and warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Add extra cheese if desired for renewed creaminess.
• Smart Prep Tip: Assemble casserole components earlier in the day, refrigerate unbaked, and pop into oven when ready to cook. This technique saves time and allows flavors to meld beautifully before baking.

Hearty Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty cheesy ground beef and rice casserole brings classic comfort to dinner tables across American kitchens. Melted cheese and seasoned beef create a satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings and simple weeknight dinners you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup white rice (uncooked, or brown rice adjusted for cook time)
• 1 ¾ cups beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of cheddar)
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 small onion, diced
• ½ cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
• 2 tbsps chopped parsley (for garnish)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano

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Instructions

1. Prepare Baking Vessel: Coat a 9×13-inch dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
2. Brown Meat and Aromatics: In a robust skillet, sauté ground beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains, then incorporate finely chopped onions and garlic, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence.
3. Season and Build Flavor: Introduce paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture, creating a robust flavor profile. Fold in uncooked rice, ensuring each grain is coated with the savory seasonings.
4. Create Creamy Sauce: Pour beef broth and condensed soup into the skillet, blending thoroughly to create a rich, velvety base. Gently fold in diced tomatoes, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Assemble and Initial Baking: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading uniformly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 35-45 minutes, allowing the rice to steam and absorb the flavorful liquid.
6. Cheese and Crisp Finish: Remove foil and lavishly sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface. Optional: Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter for an extra crispy topping. Return to the oven for a final 10-minute bake until cheese bubbles and breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
7. Serve and Garnish: Adorn with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and fresh herb brightness to this comforting one-dish marvel.

Notes

• Select Lean Beef: Choose ground beef with lower fat content (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce greasiness and create a lighter, healthier casserole.
• Control Moisture Levels: Drain beef thoroughly after browning to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole soggy, ensuring a perfect texture and preventing rice from becoming mushy.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Mix different cheese types like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or mozzarella for a more complex, rich flavor profile that elevates the dish’s overall taste.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives, use cauliflower rice for low-carb version, and select gluten-free condensed soup to accommodate various dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 742 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg