This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the kind of comforting, family-friendly dinner that makes busy evenings much easier. Juicy seasoned ground beef, tender rice, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese are baked together until bubbly and golden.
It’s inexpensive, filling, easy to customize, and uses simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Once browned, drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Add the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds.
3. Season the Beef
Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and Worcestershire sauce.
Stir well so the seasonings coat the beef evenly.
4. Make the Casserole Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Beef broth
- Milk
- Diced tomatoes
Whisk until smooth.
Add the uncooked rice and stir to combine.
Fold in the cooked ground beef mixture.
5. Assemble
Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the mixture evenly and cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
6. Bake
Bake covered for approximately 45–55 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Because ovens and rice varieties can vary, check the rice toward the end of the cooking time. If it still needs more time, cover again and continue baking until tender.
7. Add the Cheese
Remove the foil and sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.
Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for another 8–12 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
For a more golden top, place it under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
8. Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then scoop and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Casserole
Use freshly shredded cheese: It usually melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Don’t skip the foil: Keeping the casserole covered during most of the baking time helps the rice cook properly.
Check your rice: Different types and brands of rice absorb liquid differently. If the rice isn’t tender after the recommended time, add a small amount of warm broth, cover, and continue baking.
Let it rest: A short resting period allows the sauce to thicken and makes the casserole easier to serve.
Easy Variations
Add Bell Peppers
Sauté one diced bell pepper with the onion for extra flavor and color.
Make It Spicy
Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a little chili powder.
Tex-Mex Style
Replace the Italian seasoning with chili powder and cumin. Add corn and black beans, then use cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese.
Add More Vegetables
Frozen peas, corn, mushrooms, zucchini, or chopped spinach can easily be incorporated.
Extra Cheesy
Mix 1/2 cup additional cheese into the casserole before baking, then add another layer on top.
What to Serve With It
This casserole is filling enough to serve as a complete meal, but you can pair it with:
- Green salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Simple cucumber salad
A crisp green salad is especially good alongside the rich, cheesy casserole.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool and refrigerate them in an airtight container.
Enjoy within 3–4 days and reheat individual portions until thoroughly hot.
The casserole can also be frozen in airtight, freezer-safe portions. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is an easy comfort-food classic that combines everything you want in a hearty family dinner: savory ground beef, tender rice, creamy sauce, and plenty of gooey melted cheese.
It’s versatile enough to adapt to whatever vegetables and seasonings you have on hand, making it an excellent recipe to keep in your regular dinner rotation.