Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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Warm, comforting, and loaded with flavor, Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. With tender rice, savory ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and a hint of herbs, this one-pan meal delivers a satisfying bite in every spoonful. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy dish to feed a crowd, this casserole is as practical as it is delicious.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Made with pantry staples and minimal prep, it’s a reliable go-to when time is short but appetites are big. The combination of hearty beef and fluffy rice, all wrapped in cheesy goodness, makes it a timeless family favorite — and it’s easily customizable to suit different tastes.

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

• One-pan wonder: minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Uses affordable, everyday ingredients.
• Perfect for meal prep or freezing for later.
• Comfort food that’s both filling and kid-friendly.
• Customizable with your favorite veggies or spice blends.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this casserole come together seamlessly, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: For browning the beef and combining ingredients evenly.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Useful for stirring everything together without sticking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key, especially for rice and broth ratios.
• Oven-Safe Baking Dish (9×13 inch): This is where all the magic happens. A large casserole dish ensures even baking and browning.
• Foil (optional): Helps trap moisture if baking uncovered leads to over-drying.

Each of these tools helps streamline the process and ensures your casserole cooks evenly and comes out perfectly every time.

Preparation Tips

For best results, use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in the dish. Pre-cook the rice if your recipe calls for it, or use instant rice for convenience. When browning the beef, take a few extra minutes to really caramelize the meat — this builds depth of flavor. Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded for better melt and taste. And finally, don’t skip the resting period after baking; letting the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes makes it easier to serve and helps everything set beautifully.

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Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• 1 lb lean ground beef (85% lean or higher)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked or cooked, depending on version)
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth (for uncooked rice version)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of cheddar or cream of chicken soup
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley or Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing onions and garlic)
• Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

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Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary and set the beef aside.

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Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 3: Mix in the Rice and Liquids

If you’re using uncooked rice, stir in the rice at this point along with beef broth, both cans of soup, salt, pepper, paprika, and seasoning. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

If using cooked rice, reduce the broth to 1 cup or omit it completely (depending on consistency desired), and stir in the rice with soups and seasoning.

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Step 4: Add Cheese and Beef Back

Add in the shredded cheddar cheese and the cooked ground beef. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes so the mixture thickens slightly and cheese starts to melt.

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Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the top evenly.

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Step 6: Top and Bake

Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top for a golden cheesy crust. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

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Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and makes serving easier. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

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Notes

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is extremely adaptable. You can swap out the cream soups for homemade versions or low-sodium options for a healthier twist. If you prefer brown rice or wild rice, be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as they take longer to cook than white rice. Adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or corn can increase the nutritional value and add more color to the dish. It’s also freezer-friendly — perfect for busy families or meal prep.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using overly greasy beef: This can make the casserole greasy and heavy. Drain excess fat after browning.
• Not sautéing onions and garlic: Skipping this step can lead to bland flavors.
• Overcooking in the oven: Keep an eye on baking time to prevent dry or mushy rice.
• Not letting it rest: Cutting into the casserole too soon can result in a loose texture. Give it a few minutes to set.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: These often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

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Storage Instructions

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Label with the date and use within 2–3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings until hot.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 880mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the liquid slightly and extend the baking time to ensure the brown rice cooks thoroughly.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soups and checking that your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed — you may need to add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

What vegetables can I add?

Chopped bell peppers, frozen peas, corn, spinach, or diced carrots all work well in this dish.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped and label it with the date.

How can I reduce the sodium?

Use low-sodium broth and soups, and go lighter on added salt. You can also skip cheese topping or use reduced-sodium cheese.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar melts well and adds a bold flavor, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend also taste great.

Can I make this without the soup?

Yes — substitute with a homemade roux or cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and cheese.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a timeless, comforting meal that’s both hearty and simple to make. Its versatility, make-ahead ease, and kid-approved flavors make it a staple for any busy household. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals in advance, this dish delivers satisfaction with every creamy, cheesy bite.

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