When comfort food calls, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole answers with hearty satisfaction. Rich in savory flavor and blanketed in melted cheddar, this casserole layers tender rice, seasoned beef, and creamy sauce into one irresistible bake. It’s everything we crave from a cozy family dinner, with the bonus of being incredibly simple to throw together.

Perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends, this casserole is a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser that always disappears fast. The blend of spices, cheesy topping, and satisfying texture makes it the kind of dish you’ll want to keep on regular rotation. Whether you’re serving picky eaters or feeding a hungry crew, this one’s a guaranteed win.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this cheesy, meaty goodness.
Quick Prep: Easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep time make it weeknight-ready.
One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks and bakes in one dish, saving time on cleanup.
Comfort Classic: Rich, cheesy, savory—it’s the definition of a feel-good meal.
Leftover Friendly: Tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating this casserole doesn’t require fancy tools, just a few kitchen staples that make everything come together smoothly:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: To brown the ground beef and soften any aromatics. A good-quality skillet ensures even cooking and proper caramelization.
Mixing Bowl: Helpful for combining sauces, seasonings, or pre-mixing layers if needed.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accuracy for rice, broth, and seasonings.
9×13″ Baking Dish: The perfect size to layer the casserole evenly and allow for bubbling, cheesy perfection.
Foil (Optional): Keeps the casserole moist during baking, especially if pre-cooked rice is used.
Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for mixing without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Ground Beef: The savory base of this casserole. Choose 80/20 for a balance of flavor and texture.
White Rice: Long-grain or jasmine rice adds a soft, fluffy layer that soaks up all the beefy juices.
Yellow Onion: Adds a mellow sweetness and depth of flavor once cooked with the beef.
Minced Garlic: Enhances the overall savoriness with a subtle aromatic touch.
Beef Broth: Infuses the rice with extra flavor as it bakes.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and helps bind everything together.
Cheddar Cheese: The gooey, melty star on top. Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and flavor foundation.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef and rice to perfection.
Optional: Paprika or Crushed Red Pepper: For a subtle kick of warmth.

How To Make the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Sauté and Season the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Toss in the garlic and ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika for added depth.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup with beef broth. Stir until smooth. This will help keep the casserole moist and flavorful as it bakes.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

In your greased 9×13″ baking dish, spread cooked rice evenly across the bottom. Top with the seasoned beef mixture, then pour the soup and broth blend over everything. Gently spread to cover evenly.

Step 4: Cheese it Up

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top—don’t skimp! This creates that beautiful bubbly golden crust you see in every good casserole.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.

Serving and Storing Your Casserole

This casserole is best served warm straight out of the oven, when the cheese is still melty and golden. Pair it with a light green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced dinner. It also makes a fantastic potluck or family gathering option.

For storing, allow the casserole to cool completely. Cover tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes! Just be sure to pre-cook it, as brown rice takes longer and needs more moisture.

What other cheeses can I use?

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work great. Feel free to mix cheeses for a richer taste.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Add peas, corn, bell peppers, or even spinach for extra nutrition and color.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and double-check your broth. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

What meat alternatives can I try?

Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent lighter substitutes for beef.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole hit the spot, you’ll love these delicious ideas from my kitchen:

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a cheesy, creamy dream.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for savory, rich flavor lovers.
Easy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole if you want a heartier veggie-packed dish.
Minimal Ingredient Hobo Casserole for ultra-fast dinners on busy days.
Sloppy Joe Casserole when you’re craving nostalgic comfort with a twist.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add veggies? Swap in another cheese? Did the kids love it?

I love seeing how you put your own spin on these dishes. Feel free to ask questions, too—let’s help each other cook better, one casserole at a time.