The ultimate comfort dish, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is warm, savory, and packed with flavor in every bite. With tender beef, creamy rice, and gooey melted cheese, it’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone back to the table for seconds.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal that requires minimal cleanup. Just one baking dish, pantry staples, and 70 minutes later, you have a delicious, family-friendly feast that tastes like home.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
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1 ½ cups beef broth
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1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
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Add ground beef to the skillet, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
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In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and beef broth. Mix well.
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Stir in uncooked rice and the cooked beef mixture until fully combined.
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Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
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Bake for 50 minutes. Remove foil, stir, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and paprika on top, then return to oven uncovered for 10–15 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 70 minutes
Kcal: 485 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
There’s something irresistibly cozy and nostalgic about a hearty casserole bubbling away in the oven. The aroma that fills your kitchen, the satisfaction of assembling simple ingredients into a one-dish masterpiece, and the way it brings people together around the dinner table make casseroles a beloved staple in homes everywhere. One recipe that checks all the right boxes for taste, convenience, and satisfaction is the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.
This dish blends the richness of savory ground beef with the tender fluffiness of long grain rice, all tied together with creamy soups and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese. It’s a recipe that doesn’t rely on fancy ingredients or techniques just real, accessible food that feeds both your appetite and your soul. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or making it ahead for easy lunches throughout the week, this casserole delivers on all fronts.
A Timeless Weeknight Favorite
One of the reasons this dish is such a favorite is because of how versatile and forgiving it is. Casseroles have always had a strong presence in American cooking, particularly in the South and Midwest, where home-cooked meals and hearty family dishes are treasured traditions. The Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a timeless representation of those traditions. With the use of pantry staples like canned soups and dry rice, it’s not only budget-friendly but also incredibly practical.
For many families, this recipe is a go-to because it requires minimal preparation, doesn’t make a mess in the kitchen, and still turns out consistently delicious every time. You can prepare it in advance, freeze it for later, or even customize it with vegetables and spices to make it your own. Plus, it uses just one baking dish, so cleanup is minimal, a big win for anyone juggling a busy household.
Ingredients with Purpose
Let’s take a moment to break down what makes this recipe so comforting and flavorful. The ground beef forms the hearty base, offering a savory richness and satisfying bite. Browning the beef with onions and garlic ensures the flavor is layered right from the start. This also gives the dish a slightly sweet and aromatic foundation that plays beautifully with the rest of the ingredients.
The rice, added uncooked, slowly cooks in the flavorful liquid from the soups and broth, absorbing all the savory goodness as it becomes soft and tender. This technique not only saves time (since you don’t have to cook the rice beforehand), but also ensures the entire casserole has a consistent, cohesive texture. Each bite is infused with the flavor of the seasoned beef and rich, creamy base.
The magic, of course, is in the cheese. Cheddar is the perfect pairing here, it melts beautifully, adds sharpness to balance out the richness, and gives the dish that golden, bubbly top layer we all crave. A dash of paprika before baking enhances the color and adds a subtle depth, while fresh parsley at the end adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the whole dish.
Customization and Variations
Another great feature of this casserole is how adaptable it is to different tastes and dietary preferences. You can easily swap out or add ingredients based on what you have in your fridge or pantry. Want to add some vegetables? Stir in frozen peas, diced bell peppers, corn, or even spinach for added nutrition and color. Craving a little spice? Mix in some diced green chiles or a splash of hot sauce to turn up the heat.
You can also experiment with different cheeses. While cheddar provides that classic comfort flavor, pepper jack, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack can bring new dimensions to the dish. If you’re watching your sodium intake, try using low-sodium broth and soups, and adjust the salt accordingly. For a slightly leaner version, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef.
Those looking for a gluten-free variation can substitute with gluten-free cream soups and make sure the broth and spices are certified gluten-free. Vegans and vegetarians could create a plant-based version using meat substitutes and dairy-free cheeses and soups.
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly
Casseroles are ideal for meal prepping, and this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is no exception. You can assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This is especially handy if you’re hosting guests or need to make dinner after a long workday.
If you want to freeze it, let the baked casserole cool completely, then portion it into individual containers or wrap the whole dish in foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions directly from frozen for a quick lunch or snack.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots, make nutritious accompaniments.
To complete the comfort food experience, consider serving it with a slice of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls. And for dessert? A fruit cobbler or a simple apple crisp would round off the meal perfectly.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Dish
There’s a reason why this dish remains a classic in kitchens across the country. It offers the perfect balance of convenience and comfort, flavor and familiarity. Every component of the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole works together to create a satisfying, feel-good meal that’s just as enjoyable the next day as it is fresh out of the oven.
If you’re a home cook looking to add a dependable recipe to your rotation or if you’re someone who’s just beginning your cooking journey and needs a foolproof dinner idea, this casserole is a fantastic place to start. It’s forgiving, filling, and almost impossible to mess up, making it a staple for cooks of all skill levels.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a baking dish. With its creamy texture, savory beef, and gooey melted cheese, it’s exactly what comfort food should be: hearty, simple, and deeply satisfying. It’s a recipe that not only fills your stomach but also fills your home with the smells and warmth that make memories.
Whether you’re making it for a crowd, prepping meals for the week, or simply satisfying a craving for something cheesy and delicious, this casserole delivers. Try it once, and you’ll understand why it’s been passed down in kitchens and bookmarked in cookbooks for generations.