There’s nothing quite like a hearty casserole to bring comfort to the dinner table, and this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole delivers just that. With juicy ground beef, tender rice, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy mushroom base all topped with golden melted cheddar, this dish is the ultimate weeknight comfort food.
Perfect for busy families, potlucks, or when you need a meal that’s both filling and satisfying, this casserole blends rich flavors with simple preparation. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite in your home. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner recipes, family-friendly casseroles, or a comfort food classic, this dish has you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One-dish dinner: Meat, veggies, rice, and cheese all baked together.
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Easy prep: Simple ingredients and minimal steps make it weeknight-friendly.
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Customizable: Swap veggies, use different cheeses, or make it spicy.
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Kid-approved: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty flavors even picky eaters enjoy.
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Feeds a crowd: Generous portions, perfect for family meals or gatherings.
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Make-ahead option: Can be prepped and stored before baking.
Ingredient Breakdown
Ground beef (1 lb): Use lean ground beef for rich flavor without extra grease.
White rice (1 cup, uncooked): Long-grain rice absorbs flavor and cooks to fluffy perfection in the oven.
Cream of mushroom soup (1 can): Provides the creamy, savory backbone of the casserole.
Cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, adding tang and gooey richness.
Beef broth (1 ¾ cups): Infuses the rice with deep beefy flavor.
Onion (1 small, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to balance the richness.
Green bell pepper (1, chopped): Brings crunch and freshness with a subtle bitterness.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Used to sauté vegetables, enhancing flavor.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds a warm, aromatic layer.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential to bring the whole dish together.
Pro Tips
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Rinse rice before using: This removes excess starch and helps it cook evenly.
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Use lean beef: Keeps the dish from becoming greasy.
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Don’t skip the cover: Baking with foil ensures the rice absorbs all the liquid properly.
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Cheese tip: Grate your own cheddar for the best melt (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents).
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Rest before serving: Letting the casserole cool slightly helps it set and makes serving easier.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Different protein: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
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Vegetable mix: Add mushrooms, peas, carrots, or corn for more variety.
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Spicy version: Stir in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
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Different cheese: Try mozzarella for a milder melt or pepper jack for a kick.
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Healthier twist: Use brown rice (increase cook time) or low-sodium broth and soup.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for balance.
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Serve with garlic bread for extra indulgence.
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Add a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for extra flair.
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Perfect as a stand-alone dish for lunch or dinner.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Make ahead: Assemble casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 5–10 extra minutes to bake time if chilled.
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Freezing: Freeze before baking (without cheese topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
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Storing leftovers: Refrigerate in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
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Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of broth if it looks dry.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Casseroles became popular in American households in the 20th century as a way to stretch ingredients and feed families affordably. This beef and rice casserole is a modern spin on those classics, combining pantry staples with creamy and cheesy comfort—making it a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use pre-cooked rice instead of uncooked?
Yes, but reduce the broth to about ½ cup and shorten the baking time to 25 minutes.
2. Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Absolutely—cream of chicken, celery, or even homemade white sauce works.
3. Will brown rice work in this recipe?
Yes, but increase the broth slightly and extend baking by 15–20 minutes.
4. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free condensed soup and broth.
5. How do I prevent my casserole from drying out?
Make sure it’s tightly covered during the first bake, and don’t skimp on the broth.
Savory Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and green bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and uncooked rice. Stir to blend.
- In a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spread the rice mixture evenly. Layer the beef and veggie mixture on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
