Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is six-star easy yum.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a six-star, easy-yum weeknight dinner that delivers creamy, comforting flavor with minimal effort. I’m Chef Oni, founder of Cookeroni, and I’ve built this site for busy women who juggle careers, families, and everything else life throws at them. This dish uses pantry staples and a simple bake to deliver a crowd-pleasing casserole that tastes like a hug but comes together in no time. It’s the kind of recipe you can assemble in minutes, bake while you tackle another task, and still have warm, cheesy leftovers for tomorrow. Let’s dive in and make weeknights effortless without sacrificing flavor

Table of Contents

What make this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Special

Why Busy Families Crave It

I reach for this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole on busy weeknights.

This dish is built for busy families.

It delivers flavor with minimal effort, a real time saver.

One pan bakes while I switch hats from mom to manager.

Creamy Comfort, Minimal Effort

Creamy, cheesy goodness coats every bite, yet the prep stays light.

The rice does the hard work in its gentle bake, not a watched pot.

I love that leftovers feel like a fresh meal when reheated.

This dish balances comfort with practicality, so mom brain can rest a little.

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

Convenience that Travels from Fridge to Table

On rushed evenings, I grab this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.
It bakes while I tackle other to-dos, not glued to the stove.
The result? Warm, cheesy comfort that lands on the table fast.

Leftovers feel new the next day, still flavorful.
It stores well in the fridge and warms quickly.
And the best part: it tastes homemade, not rushed.

Family-Approved Flavor

Family-friendly flavor with a cheesy, comforting hug.
My crew requests it again and again.
It disappears fast at dinner and for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

Kitchen Staples You’ll Reach For

Here’s everything I pull from the pantry for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. It’s all simple, familiar, and reliable. I love meals that feel special without a long shopping list.

• 1 lb ground beef — the hearty base that flavors the casserole; choose 85/15 or leaner depending on your preference.
• 1 tbsp olive oil — helps the beef brown without sticking; adds a touch of richness.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped — brings sweetness that deepens with cooking.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced — quick aroma boost that lingers in every bite.
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice — the starch that makes the casserole filling and cozy.
• 2 cups beef broth — keeps everything moist and flavorful; low-sodium works well if you’re watching salt.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup — creamy binder that doesn’t require standing at the stove; swap with cream of mushroom soup or a quick mushroom sauce if needed.
• ½ tsp salt — enhances the dish; adjust after tasting.
• ½ tsp black pepper — just enough bite to wake up the flavors.
• ½ tsp paprika — adds warmth and a hint of color; smoked paprika is a nice swap if you have it.
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided) — melt-y, cheesy goodness; reserve half for topping later.
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish) — brightens the plate and freshens the aroma.

Exact quantities are listed at the bottom of the article for printing.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First, I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Then I grease a 9×13 baking dish with a little oil.

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a friendly one-pan weeknight dinner.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Next, I heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

I add the ground beef and crumble it as it browns.

Finally, I drain the excess fat.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

I add finely chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes.

Then I stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

The kitchen already smells like a hug in the making.

Step 4: Stir in Rice, Broth, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Salt, Pepper, and Paprika

I stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup.

Next, I add salt, pepper, and paprika and mix well.

This creates a creamy, ready-to-bake base.

Step 5: Remove heat and Fold in 1 cup Cheddar Cheese

I remove the pan from heat.

I fold in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

The mixture looks glossy and inviting.

Step 6: Bake Covered, Then Uncover and Top with Cheese

I transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Then I cover tightly with foil and bake 30–35 minutes.

Next, I uncover and sprinkle the remaining cheese, baking 8–10 minutes more.

Step 7: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

I let the casserole rest for 5 minutes.

Then I garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.

Finally, I serve warm to everyone, savoring the cozy aroma.

Tips for Success

Quick-Tips

• I prep ingredients ahead to keep pace on busy days; a quick chop saves minutes and aggravation.
• I brown the beef for depth of flavor; it stays juicy.
• I use low-sodium broth; season to taste later, okay.
• I let it rest briefly after baking for neat slices.

Make-Ahead and Reheating Tips

• I assemble and refrigerate casserole up to 24 hours; bake when ready.
• I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until hot.

Equipment Needed

• 9×13 baking dish (glass or metal)
• 12-inch skillet or large sauté pan
• Mixing bowl and measuring tools
• Silicone spatula and wooden spoon
• Foil and oven mitts

Tools You’ll Use

• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring tools
• Mixing bowls
• Oven mitts

Variations

Diet-Friendly Swaps

• Choose 93% lean ground beef or swap half with ground turkey to cut fat without losing flavor.
• Use low-sodium beef broth and a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup for dairy-free or lighter options.
• Opt for part-skim cheddar or a dairy-free cheese shreds to keep it cheesy and lighter.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute cooked lentils or crumbled tempeh for the beef.
• To keep it gluten-free, use gluten-free condensed cream of mushroom soup.
• Boost protein with a can of rinsed white or black beans folded in, if you like.

Veggie Boosts

• Add color and nutrition with diced bell peppers and mushrooms, then sauté with onion.
• Stir in spinach, corn, peas, or grated zucchini for moisture and texture.
• Grate carrots for a touch of sweetness and kid-friendly nutrition.
• Blanch or microwave veggies first to avoid soggy casserole.

Cheese and Spice Tweaks

• Try cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack for extra melt and a mild kick.
• Smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky depth; regular paprika for milder flavor.
• A pinch of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce wakes up the dish.
• Finish with parmesan or Romano for a crisp top crust.
• For kids, keep it mild with all cheddar; for adults, boost heat with jalapeños or hot sauce on the side.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings to Elevate the Meal

• Pair this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with a simple green salad for balance.
• Steam broccoli or green beans for color and crunch.
• Serve with crusty bread or soft rolls to scoop up the sauce.
• A tall glass of lemon water or unsweetened iced tea cleanses the palate.

Plating and Presentation Hacks

• Sliced portions on warm plates look inviting and homestyle.

Make It Easy on Weeknights: Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Freezer-Friendly Prep

Freezer-Friendly Prep: I freeze Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole before or after baking to save time on weeknights.

I often freeze portions in airtight containers or a wrapped pan.

For uncooked prep, wrap tightly with plastic, then foil; label with date.

Make-Ahead Timeline

Make-Ahead Timeline: I mix the base up to the cheese stage, then chill up to 24 hours.

If you freeze, thaw in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours.

When baking from frozen, bake covered, then uncover and melt cheese for easy reheating.

FAQs

Q: Can I use brown rice in Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?

Short answer: Yes, you can use brown rice in Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.

Tip: Brown rice needs more liquid and time. Use parboiled brown rice or partially cook the grains for 10 minutes first. If you go uncooked, bump the broth to about 3 cups and bake covered for 45–50 minutes, then uncover for 8–10 minutes to finish melting the cheese.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers of Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?

My go-to is to reheat in the oven for best texture. Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil to keep moisture.

Heat for 15–20 minutes, or until hot in the center. For a quicker warm-up, microwave portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring once or twice. If the dish looks dry, add a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.

Q: Is Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole suitable for dairy-free diets?

Not as-is. This dish relies on cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese, which are dairy-based.

To make dairy-free, swap in a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup and a dairy-free cheese substitute, or use a dairy-free mushroom sauce. Also use a dairy-free beef broth. The result stays comforting and creamy without dairy.

Q: Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works well here and keeps things lighter.

Brown it the same way, drain the fat, and proceed with the rest of the steps. If the meat is very lean, add a splash more broth to keep the rice tender and the casserole saucy.

Final Thoughts

The Comfort That Fits a Busy Life

Thinking back, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole has become my weeknight ally. It delivers comfort without chaos, a win when time is tight.

I love how the aroma lingers through the house, inviting everyone to pull up a chair. It feels like hospitality, served straight from the oven.

When I’m juggling meetings and practice, this dish buys me time and sanity. A bake becomes a pause button, turning busy evenings into cozy gatherings.

May my family savor the creamy, cheesy crust, and may leftovers spark fresh lunches. The kitchen stays warm, and so does my week, for you.

Print