Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a classic comfort food that brings together simple ingredients to create a warm, filling, and incredibly satisfying meal. Made with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and plenty of melted cheese, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without a lot of prep.
What makes this dish so popular is its simplicity. Everything comes together in one baking dish, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup. In addition, it’s budget-friendly, customizable, and loved by both kids and adults. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or bringing food to a gathering, this casserole is always a safe and delicious choice.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
- One-dish meal with easy cleanup
- Rich, cheesy, and comforting
- Uses affordable pantry staples
- Perfect for leftovers and meal prep
- Customizable with vegetables or spices
- Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing
Why You Should Try This Recipe
A Complete, Filling Meal
This casserole combines protein, rice, and cheese in one dish. As a result, it’s filling enough to serve on its own without needing extra sides.
Ideal for Busy Schedules
Because everything bakes together, this recipe saves time. Simply mix, layer, and bake, and dinner is ready with minimal effort.
Budget-Friendly and Practical
In addition, Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole uses everyday ingredients you likely already have. This makes it perfect for feeding a family without overspending.
Great for Leftovers
Finally, this casserole reheats beautifully. In fact, the flavors often taste even better the next day, making it excellent for meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef
- Cooked white rice (or brown rice)
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Beef broth or water
- Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
- Olive oil or butter
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika or Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole (Step by Step)
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef
In a skillet over medium heat, add oil or butter. Cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease, then add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine the ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef, rice, soup, broth, salt, pepper, and seasoning until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the casserole
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Add cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Rest and serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, garnish if desired, and serve warm.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 420–520
- Protein: 22–28g
- Carbohydrates: 35–40g
- Fat: 22–28g
- Fiber: 2–4g
- Sodium: Moderate
Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Use fully cooked rice to avoid a crunchy texture
Always use rice that has been fully cooked before adding it to the casserole. Uncooked or undercooked rice will not soften properly in the oven and can leave the dish unpleasantly crunchy. Leftover rice works especially well because it absorbs the sauce evenly.
Drain the beef well to prevent greasiness
After browning the ground beef, drain off excess fat thoroughly. Too much grease can cause the casserole to become heavy and oily, which affects both texture and flavor. Using lean ground beef helps, but draining is still essential.
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting
Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and more evenly than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents. As a result, your casserole will have a creamier, more consistent cheese layer on top.
Don’t overbake or the casserole may dry out
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, the casserole is ready. Overbaking can cause the rice to dry out and the cheese to harden. Covering with foil for part of the baking time helps retain moisture.
Let the casserole rest before serving so it sets properly
Allowing the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after baking helps everything settle. This makes it easier to slice and serve while keeping the layers intact.
Variations & Substitutions
Add corn or peas for extra texture
Sweet corn or peas add pops of color and texture that balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
Use ground turkey instead of beef
Ground turkey is a great lighter alternative and still absorbs seasoning well. It works especially well if you prefer a leaner casserole.
Swap cheddar for Colby Jack or mozzarella
Colby Jack adds extra creaminess, while mozzarella gives a mild, stretchy cheese pull. You can also mix cheeses for more depth of flavor.
Add diced tomatoes for moisture
Diced tomatoes help keep the casserole moist and add a slightly tangy contrast to the cheese and beef.
Make it spicy with chili flakes or jalapeños
For a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Use brown rice for extra fiber
Brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients. Just be sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.
What to Serve with Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
- Simple green salad
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Coleslaw
- Pickles or fresh tomatoes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using uncooked rice
- Skipping draining the beef
- Adding too much liquid
- Overloading with cheese
- Baking uncovered the entire time
Storing & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave
- Add a splash of broth when reheating
- Freeze for up to 2 months
Conclusion
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a reliable, comforting recipe that works for real life. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or planning meals ahead, this casserole is one you’ll come back to again and again.
General Information
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: About 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Casserole
Frequently (FAQ)
1. Can I make Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
2. What type of rice works best for this casserole?
Cooked white rice works best, but brown rice or jasmine rice also work well.
3. Can I use uncooked rice?
No. The rice must be fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.
4. What ground beef should I use?
Lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) works best to avoid excess grease.
5. Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives.
6. What cheese melts best in this recipe?
Cheddar, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend melt smoothly and add great flavor.
7. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely. Corn, peas, bell peppers, or spinach are excellent additions.
8. Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Yes. It’s mild, cheesy, and very popular with kids.
9. How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
Avoid overbaking and make sure there’s enough soup or broth in the mixture.
10. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free condensed soup and check all ingredient labels.
11. How long does this casserole last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to 4 days.
12. Can I freeze Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole?
Yes. Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months for best quality.
13. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.
14. Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a larger baking dish and increase baking time slightly.
15. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes. It reheats well and stays flavorful, making it ideal for meal prep.
16. Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add chili flakes, cayenne, or diced jalapeños for heat.
17. Should I drain the ground beef?
Yes. Draining excess grease prevents a greasy casserole.
18. Can I use leftover rice?
Yes. Leftover rice works perfectly and absorbs flavor well.
19. What toppings go well with this casserole?
Fresh parsley, green onions, sour cream, or extra cheese all work great.
20. Is Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole filling enough as a main dish?
Yes. With beef, rice, and cheese, it’s a complete and satisfying meal.